Pied Beauty

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1918

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Poem Analysis

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Further Reading & Resources

Related Poems

“As Kingfishers Catch Fire” by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1918)

This poem, like many of Hopkins’s works, relies on natural imagery and strong alliteration to praise God. Like “Pied Beauty,” this poem is a sonnet; however, Hopkins uses a more traditional Petrarchan form. “As Kingfishers Catch Fire” is another good example of Hopkins’s style and formal control as a poet.

“God’s Grandeur” by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1918)

Published along with the rest of Hopkins’s poetic works in his 1918 collection, “God’s Grandeur” explores themes similar to those found in “Pied Beauty” and “As Kingfishers Catch Fire.” Another example of Hopkins’s use of the Petrarchan sonnet form, “God’s Grandeur” ends with the exclamation: “ah! bright wings” (Line 14).

“The Windhover” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Another example of Hopkins’s use of the sonnet form, “The Windhover” looks with depth at the image of a kestrel and considers the beauty of life. In this poem, Hopkins takes alliterative verse to its limit with phrases like, “dom of daylight's dauphin, dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon” (Line 2).

Further Literary Resources

“The Two Vocations of Gerard Manley Hopkins” by Philip Endean SJ (2014)

This brief essay discusses Hopkins’s writings, his religious devotion, and his image in the 20th century and beyond. It also describes the ways of Jesuit life, which is helpful in curating a thorough understanding of Hopkins and his poetry.

“To Seem a Stranger” Everyman documentary uploaded to YouTube by videocurios (2014)

Originally released in 1986, this documentary looks at Hopkins’s life and work. While the format is a bit dated, this is considered the definitive documentary on Hopkins.

“‘Anglish’ and the Pursuit of Linguistic Purism” from Irregardless Magazine (2016)

This short article from Irregardless Magazine explains the background of linguistic purism in English. Hopkins’s poetry is filled with references to Old English and other English dialects, and his use of alliteration, internal rhyme, and accentual verse illustrated his belief in linguistic purism.