Hopkins: Felix Randal

Question 1

Central themes

Answer 1

Morality + human frailty
Suffering + compassion
Faith and redemption

Question 2

5 quotes

Answer 2

“Mould of man, big-boned and hardy-handsome”
“Pining, pining”
“Touch has quenched thy tears”
“Powerful amidst peers”
“His bright and battering sandal!”

Question 3

Analysis of “mould of man, big-boned and hardy-handsome”

Answer 3

Perfect example of gods creation
Symbol of endurance, resilience and natural attractiveness
Transformation of physical strength to spiritual peace.

Question 4

Analysis of “pining, pining”

Answer 4

Wasting away - physically, mentally, emotionally
Repetition: increase intensity, represent slow painful decline

Question 5

Analysis of “touch has quenched thy tears”

Answer 5

Physical presence soothes Felix suffering, emphasizes human connection and power of faith

Question 6

Analysis of “powerful amidst peers”

Answer 6

Contrasts to him later on. Nostalgic recall, enhances the tragic arc

Question 7

Analysis of “his bright and battering sandal”

Answer 7

Sandal is a metaphor for horseshoe,
bright- Felix craftsmanship.
Battering - violence, energy, impact.
Oxymoronic combination represents dual nature of Felix.