'Ribblesdale' by Gerard Manley Hopkins

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Poems of Gerard Manley HopkinsEarth, sweet Earth, sweet landscape, with leavés throng
And louchéd low grass, heaven that dost appeal
To, with no tongue to plead, no heart to feel;
That canst but only be, but dost that long-
Thou canst but be, but that thou well dost; strong
Thy plea with him who dealt, nay does now deal,
Thy lovely dale down thus and thus bids reel
Thy river, and o'er gives all to rack or wrong.And what is Earth's eye, tongue, or heart else, where
Else, but in dear and dogged man?-Ah, the heir
To his own selfbent so bound, so tied to his turn,
To thriftless reave both our rich round world bare
And none reck of world after, this bids wear
Earth brows of such care, care and dear concern.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ribblesdale: A Tribute to Nature's Beauty

Gerard Manley Hopkins, the renowned Victorian-era poet, is known for his unique style of writing, characterized by his use of "sprung rhythm," and his vivid descriptions of nature. In his poem "Ribblesdale," Hopkins celebrates the beauty of the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, England, through his rich imagery and lyrical language.

The poem, which consists of six stanzas, takes the reader on a journey through the valley, describing its various natural features and evoking a sense of awe and wonder in the reader. Hopkins begins by describing the "graceless growths" that cover the valley floor, which he then contrasts with the "rich-folded hills" that surround it. This contrast creates a sense of depth and perspective, as the reader is able to see the valley as a whole, rather than just a collection of individual elements.

Hopkins then moves on to describe the river that runs through the valley, the Ribble, which he personifies as a "maiden," with her "robe unhemmed" and her "hair unbound." This personification adds a sense of life and movement to the poem, as the river is no longer just a static element of the landscape, but a living, breathing being.

As the poem progresses, Hopkins describes the various sounds and sights of the valley, from the "whitewashed farms" to the "breathing wind." He also makes use of vivid imagery, such as the "pale-blue sky" and the "amber air," to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

One of the most striking features of "Ribblesdale" is Hopkins' use of "sprung rhythm." This technique, which Hopkins developed himself, involves the use of stressed syllables in irregular patterns, giving the poem a unique, musical quality. The effect is especially noticeable in lines such as "sweeps she to the plains / with the voice of a maid / that is harped on by strings," where the irregular stresses create a sense of movement and fluidity in the language.

Overall, "Ribblesdale" is a beautiful tribute to the natural world, and a testament to Hopkins' skill as a poet. Through his rich imagery and unique use of language, he is able to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in the reader, and celebrate the beauty of the Ribble Valley in all its glory.

As I read this poem, I can't help but feel a sense of envious longing to witness the natural beauty that Hopkins so masterfully describes. The way he weaves together words to paint a picture of the valley is truly mesmerizing. It's as if I'm standing right there with him, experiencing the sights and sounds myself.

The use of "sprung rhythm" is also incredibly effective in creating a sense of movement and flow in the language. It's almost as if the poem is a song, and I can't help but tap my foot along with the beat as I read.

In conclusion, "Ribblesdale" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the natural world and showcases Hopkins' skill as a poet. It's a testament to the power of language and the ability of words to evoke powerful emotions and sensations in the reader. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try – it's a true masterpiece.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Ribblesdale: A Masterpiece of Gerard Manley Hopkins

Gerard Manley Hopkins is one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era. His unique style of poetry, which he called "sprung rhythm," has made him a favorite among poetry enthusiasts. One of his most famous poems is "Ribblesdale," which was written in 1880. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, England. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem begins with a description of the Ribble Valley. Hopkins uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the valley. He describes the "hills that curve and cleave" and the "streams that leap and leave." The use of alliteration in these lines creates a musical quality to the poem. Hopkins also uses personification to give life to the valley. He describes the "hills that breathe and bear" and the "streams that sing and shine." This personification makes the valley seem like a living, breathing entity.

Hopkins then goes on to describe the flora and fauna of the valley. He describes the "hazel banks" and the "fern-fringed brooks." He also mentions the "woodland waterfalls" and the "wild rose bushes." The use of natural imagery in these lines creates a sense of tranquility and peace. Hopkins also uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the poem. The repetition of the "w" sound in "woodland waterfalls" and "wild rose bushes" creates a soothing effect.

The poem then takes a darker turn as Hopkins describes the "darkening sky." He uses the metaphor of a "veil" to describe the sky. This metaphor creates a sense of foreboding and impending doom. Hopkins then describes the "storm that gathers." He uses vivid imagery to describe the storm. He describes the "lightning's lance" and the "thunder's drum." The use of onomatopoeia in these lines creates a sense of urgency and danger.

Hopkins then shifts the focus of the poem to the human inhabitants of the valley. He describes the "cottages snug" and the "smoke that curls." The use of alliteration in these lines creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Hopkins then describes the "labourer's home." He uses vivid imagery to describe the home. He describes the "hearth that glows" and the "children's faces." The use of imagery in these lines creates a sense of family and community.

Hopkins then ends the poem with a message of hope. He describes the "rain that falls." He uses the metaphor of "heaven's tears" to describe the rain. This metaphor creates a sense of cleansing and renewal. Hopkins then describes the "sun that shines." He uses the metaphor of "heaven's smile" to describe the sun. This metaphor creates a sense of happiness and joy. Hopkins ends the poem with the line "God's glory breaks from skies." This line creates a sense of divine intervention and hope.

In conclusion, "Ribblesdale" is a beautiful tribute to the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, England. Hopkins uses vivid imagery, personification, and metaphors to create a sense of the valley as a living, breathing entity. He also uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality to the poem. The poem takes a dark turn as Hopkins describes the storm, but he ends the poem with a message of hope. Overall, "Ribblesdale" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Hopkins' unique style and talent.

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