Hopkins: Gods Grandeur

Question 1

Overarching themes

Answer 1

Omnipresence of god
Exploitation of the earth

Question 2

5 quotes

Answer 2

“It will flame out, like shining from shook foil… like the ooze of oil”
“Have trod, have trod, have trod”
“Seared, bleared, smeared”
“Nor can foot feel, being shod”
“Holy Ghost… world broods with warm breast and with ah!bright wings”

Question 3

Analysis of “it will flame out, like shining from shook foil… like the ooze of oil”

Answer 3

-Gods greatness is an energising force, evokes the sudden brilliant flashes symbolising the dynamic and illuminating presence of the divine
- simile + assonance: olives are not v valuable on their own until they are crushed. Slow pervasive diffusion of gods essence through creation

Question 4

Analysis of “ have trod, have trod, have trod”

Answer 4

Repetition - emphasize monotonous, relentless exploitation of the earth, mirrors mechanical repetition of industrial labour

Question 5

Analysis of “ seared, bleared, smeared”

Answer 5

Internal rhyme - draws focus to verbs which convey the tarnishing effect of human toil on the world

Question 6

Analysis of “nor can foot feel, being shod”

Answer 6

Synecdoche: metaphor of a small part that represents the whole.
Shoes are mans creation, feet are gods. We are separating ourselves from gods creation and instead placing value on material items

Question 7

Analysis of “dearest freshness deep down things”

Answer 7

Nature retains an enduring freshness, attributed to the Holy Ghost, a nurturing presence.
Encapsulates inherent vitality that persists in nature despite external harm

Question 8

Analysis of “ Holy Ghost… world broods with warm breast and with ah! Bright wings”

Answer 8

Poem begins with bright imagery and ends similairily, cyclical pattern of nature. Bright warm wings of Holy Ghost shields the earth from harm, omnipresence.