'To What Serves Mortal Beauty?' by Gerard Manley Hopkins
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Poems of Gerard Manley HopkinsTo what serves mortal beauty '-dangerous; does set danc-
ing blood-the O-seal-that-so ' feature, flung prouder form
Than Purcell tune lets tread to? ' See: it does this: keeps warm
Men's wits to the things that are; ' what good means-where a glance
Master more may than gaze, ' gaze out of countenance.
Those lovely lads once, wet-fresh ' windfalls of war's storm,
How then should Gregory, a father, ' have gleanèd else from swarm-
ed Rome? But God to a nation ' dealt that day's dear chance.To man, that needs would worship ' block or barren stone,
Our law says: Love what are ' love's worthiest, were all known;
World's loveliest-men's selves. Self ' flashes off frame and face.
What do then? how meet beauty? ' Merely meet it; own,
Home at heart, heaven's sweet gift; ' then leave, let that alone.
Yea, wish that though, wish all, ' God's better beauty, grace.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To What Serves Mortal Beauty? by Gerard Manley Hopkins
Introduction
Gerard Manley Hopkins is one of the most renowned poets of the Victorian era. He was a Jesuit priest, and his poems often explore religious themes, as well as the beauty of nature. One of his most famous works is "To What Serves Mortal Beauty?", which was written in 1875. In this poem, Hopkins explores the idea of beauty and its purpose in the world.
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker questioning the purpose of beauty. He asks, "To what serves mortal beauty?" The use of the word "mortal" is significant, as it suggests that beauty is temporary and fleeting. The speaker seems to be questioning whether there is any point to beauty if it is ultimately destined to fade away.
The poem then goes on to describe various examples of beauty in nature, such as the "smiling of flowers" and the "sparkle of wine." These images are vivid and sensual, and they serve to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. However, the speaker still seems to be questioning the purpose of this beauty. He asks, "Is there no bright reversion in the sky?" This suggests that he is looking for something more permanent than earthly beauty.
The poem then takes a religious turn, with the speaker referring to the "Maker's love" and the "heavenly beauty." This suggests that he believes there is a higher purpose to beauty, one that is connected to God. He asks, "Is it naught to you that we chant your glory?" This suggests that the purpose of beauty is to glorify God.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker states that "Heaven's glory" is the "end of mortal story." This suggests that the ultimate purpose of human life is to reach heaven and experience divine beauty. The use of the word "story" is interesting, as it suggests that human life is a narrative with a predetermined ending.
Interpretation
"To What Serves Mortal Beauty?" is a complex poem with multiple layers of meaning. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the meaning of beauty and its purpose in the world. The speaker seems to be questioning whether there is any point to beauty if it is ultimately destined to fade away. However, he eventually comes to the conclusion that beauty has a higher purpose, one that is connected to God.
The poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the transience of human life. The speaker seems to be suggesting that, while earthly beauty may be temporary, there is a higher purpose to life that transcends this. This interpretation is supported by the religious imagery in the poem, as well as the idea that human life is a narrative with a predetermined ending.
The poem can also be interpreted as a celebration of the beauty of nature. The vivid descriptions of flowers and wine serve to highlight the beauty of the natural world, and the speaker seems to be suggesting that this beauty is worth celebrating, even if it is temporary.
Overall, "To What Serves Mortal Beauty?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the meaning of beauty and its purpose in the world. Hopkins' use of vivid imagery and religious themes make this poem a timeless meditation on the transience of human life and the beauty of the natural world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To What Serves Mortal Beauty? - A Masterpiece by Gerard Manley Hopkins
Gerard Manley Hopkins, a renowned poet of the Victorian era, is known for his unique style of writing and his ability to capture the beauty of nature. His poem, "Poetry To What Serves Mortal Beauty?" is a masterpiece that explores the relationship between beauty and mortality. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.
Themes
The poem is centered around the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of beauty. Hopkins questions the purpose of beauty and its significance in the face of death. He argues that beauty is not just a superficial quality but has a deeper meaning that goes beyond the physical appearance. The poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death.
Structure
The poem is structured in the form of a sonnet, which is a fourteen-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme. Hopkins uses the Petrarchan sonnet form, which consists of an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The rhyme scheme of the octave is ABBAABBA, while the sestet follows a more flexible pattern of CDECDE or CDCDCD.
The poem is divided into two parts, with the octave presenting the problem and the sestet offering a solution. In the octave, Hopkins questions the purpose of beauty and its relevance in the face of death. He argues that beauty is fleeting and that it serves no purpose in the face of mortality. However, in the sestet, he offers a solution by suggesting that beauty serves a higher purpose, which is to lead us to God.
Language
Hopkins uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. He employs alliteration, assonance, and consonance to create a musical quality to the poem. For example, in the first line, he uses alliteration to emphasize the importance of the question he is asking: "To what serves mortal beauty?" The repetition of the "m" sound creates a sense of urgency and importance.
Hopkins also uses imagery to convey his message. He uses natural imagery to illustrate the fleeting nature of beauty. For example, in the second line, he compares beauty to a "summer's day," which is beautiful but short-lived. He also uses religious imagery to suggest that beauty serves a higher purpose. In the sestet, he uses the image of a "shining from shook foil" to describe the glory of God.
Analysis
The poem begins with a rhetorical question: "To what serves mortal beauty?" Hopkins is questioning the purpose of beauty and its relevance in the face of death. He argues that beauty is fleeting and that it serves no purpose in the face of mortality. He compares beauty to a "summer's day," which is beautiful but short-lived. He suggests that beauty is nothing more than a temporary distraction from the harsh reality of life.
However, in the sestet, Hopkins offers a solution to the problem he has presented. He suggests that beauty serves a higher purpose, which is to lead us to God. He uses the image of a "shining from shook foil" to describe the glory of God. He argues that beauty is a reflection of God's glory and that it is through beauty that we can come to know God.
Hopkins' use of religious imagery is significant in this poem. He was a Jesuit priest, and his faith is evident in his writing. He believed that beauty was a manifestation of God's presence in the world. He saw beauty as a way of connecting with God and experiencing his glory.
The poem is also significant in its use of language. Hopkins' use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance creates a musical quality to the poem. The repetition of sounds creates a sense of rhythm and harmony, which is reminiscent of music. This musical quality is significant because it reflects Hopkins' belief that beauty is a form of harmony and order.
Conclusion
"Poetry To What Serves Mortal Beauty?" is a masterpiece by Gerard Manley Hopkins. It explores the relationship between beauty and mortality and offers a solution to the problem it presents. Hopkins argues that beauty serves a higher purpose, which is to lead us to God. He uses religious imagery and a musical quality to convey his message. The poem is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. It is a reminder that beauty is not just a superficial quality but has a deeper meaning that goes beyond the physical appearance.
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