I spent the better part of a gorgeous summer once under the enchanting spell of Gerard Manley Hopkins as woven by one of his biographers: Robert Bernard Martin, Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Very Private Life.Thanks for reading The Inscapist!
Denise, I must admit, as an English Lit. Major, I thoroughly disliked Hopkins and the Pre-Raphaelites. However, I have always felt a great joy in writing letters that share substantive matters. Your description of Hopkins’ relationship with Dixon has caused a spark in me. Perhaps I need to read more about Hopkins and I might have to re-think my earlier conclusion. Afterall, how can anyone who carries on a hand-written correspondence be without merit? lol Thank you for challenging my perspective.
Thank you for reading, Marlene. In the last five years or so, I somehow naturally fell into the habit of reading the life and letters of poets, writers and artists in tandem with experiencing their genius. It has been so illuminating - but I only began this lovely odyssey at maybe the age of 62. I have always loved Hopkins, though. More so now that I know how he suffered. But also Emily Dickinson. Her letters are a wealth of wittiness, wisdom, and astute understanding of human foibles. They melted all the odd caricatures that surrounded her and which ended up being untrue. Audubon’s letters to his wife are also priceless as he sits in a bog painting his birds of North America. I find it all so wonderful. Let me know what you discover!
I used to write to pen pals when I was in high school in Burma. I miss those days of writing to total strangers and striking up a friendship. Although for the life of me I can’t remember how I got the names and addresses. I just was intrigued with getting to know different cultures and peoples. Thank you for your story about this Jesuit priest and the poet. Hope you are having a wonderful Advent!
As always, Denise, this is so lovely. You are so good at finding these types of stories and gleaning such goodness from them. Thank you!
I agree!
Thank you, Mary!
Denise, I must admit, as an English Lit. Major, I thoroughly disliked Hopkins and the Pre-Raphaelites. However, I have always felt a great joy in writing letters that share substantive matters. Your description of Hopkins’ relationship with Dixon has caused a spark in me. Perhaps I need to read more about Hopkins and I might have to re-think my earlier conclusion. Afterall, how can anyone who carries on a hand-written correspondence be without merit? lol Thank you for challenging my perspective.
Thank you for reading, Marlene. In the last five years or so, I somehow naturally fell into the habit of reading the life and letters of poets, writers and artists in tandem with experiencing their genius. It has been so illuminating - but I only began this lovely odyssey at maybe the age of 62. I have always loved Hopkins, though. More so now that I know how he suffered. But also Emily Dickinson. Her letters are a wealth of wittiness, wisdom, and astute understanding of human foibles. They melted all the odd caricatures that surrounded her and which ended up being untrue. Audubon’s letters to his wife are also priceless as he sits in a bog painting his birds of North America. I find it all so wonderful. Let me know what you discover!
I used to write to pen pals when I was in high school in Burma. I miss those days of writing to total strangers and striking up a friendship. Although for the life of me I can’t remember how I got the names and addresses. I just was intrigued with getting to know different cultures and peoples. Thank you for your story about this Jesuit priest and the poet. Hope you are having a wonderful Advent!
Love this! One never knows the impact we can have on others, each and every day! Thank you for sharing🥰