An enduring spirit of the Victorian Era of Doubt

Abstract

The focus of this study is upon Gerard Manley Hopkins~s literary opinions about the state of affairs of Victorian England regarding its defence, religions, science, politics, the economy, and other concerns. His claim to a legitimate voice lies in the tremendous amount of erudite knowledge he accumulated over the years, on many different subjects, and his classical education. Major focus is on his pristine awareness of the Anglo-Saxons and their language of Old English. Hopkins's unique style of writing poetry and his contribution to Victorian philology is highlighted. The work also deals, in some degree, with his mental state at various periods in his life, and attempts to disclose an overcoming of the anguish and depression evident in the poems. His enduring spirit under the grave swamping of Christianity by destructive discourses is another major theme.