“Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

“Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins first appeared in 1918 in the collection Poems of Gerard Manley Hopkins, edited by Robert Bridges and published posthumously. The poem is a celebration of the diverse and varied beauty found in the natural world, reflecting Hopkins’s deep religious faith and his fascination with the intricacies of God’s creation. It is characterized by its vibrant imagery, unique sprung rhythm, and innovative use of language, including alliteration, assonance,

Text: “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Annotations: “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Line	Annotation
Glory be to God for dappled things –	Opening line praising God for the beauty of variegated and multi-colored things.
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;	Comparison of the multi-colored sky to a brindled (streaked) cow, highlighting natural beauty.
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;	Describing the speckled patterns on trout, emphasizing the intricate beauty in nature.
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;	Images of autumn chestnuts and bird wings, showing the beauty in small, everyday occurrences.
Landscape plotted and pieced – fold, fallow, and plough;	The agricultural landscape, with its various uses and divisions, each with its own beauty.
And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.	Praise for all professions and their tools, recognizing the beauty in human craftsmanship.
All things counter, original, spare, strange;	Appreciation for the diversity and uniqueness in creation, including things that are unusual or rare.
Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)	Wondering at the transient and speckled aspects of life, and the mystery of their creation.
With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim;	Juxtaposition of opposites to show the full range of beauty in the world.
He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:	Acknowledgment of God as the creator of all these things, whose own beauty is eternal and unchanging.
Praise him.	Closing exhortation to give praise to God for the diverse beauty of His creation.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls”	Repetition of initial consonant sounds
Allusion	“Glory be to God”	Reference to a religious phrase
Amplification	“dappled things”, “couple-colour”, “rose-moles”	Emphasizing a point through repetition or exaggeration
Anaphora	“For…For…For”	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses
Assonance	“brinded cow”, “stipple upon trout”	Repetition of vowel sounds
Enjambment	“For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow; / For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;”	A sentence or phrase continuing into the next line without punctuation
Hyperbole	“all things counter, original, spare, strange”	Exaggeration for emphasis
Imagery	“skies of couple-colour”, “rose-moles”, “finches’ wings”	Vivid descriptions of sensory experiences
Metaphor	“skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow”	Comparison between two unlike things
Onomatopoeia	“adazzle”	Words that imitate sounds
Personification	“He fathers-forth”	Attributing human qualities to non-human entities
Repetition	“For”, “all”	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or unity
Rhyme	“plough” and “cow”	Similar sounds in words
Simile	“as a brinded cow”	Comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”
Symbolism	“dappled things”, “rose-moles”	Using objects to represent abstract ideas
Synecdoche	“trout that swim”	Using a part to represent the whole
Understatement	“spare, strange”	Downplaying the significance of something
Encomium	Entire poem	A poem of praise
Caesura	Throughout the poem	Pauses within a line

Themes: “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

• Celebration of Diversity and Variation: Hopkins celebrates the diversity and variety present in nature and life. He praises “dappled things” and “skies of couple-colour” (line 1-2), highlighting the beauty in things that are variegated and multi-colored, such as the speckled patterns on trout (“rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim,” line 3). The use of imagery like “finches’ wings” (line 4) and “fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls” (line 4) further emphasizes the richness and diversity of nature. The poem reflects Hopkins’ appreciation for the uniqueness and individuality found in each aspect of creation, from the natural world to human craftsmanship (“all trades, their gear and tackle and trim,” line 6).
• Recognition of God’s Creative Power: Throughout “Pied Beauty,” Hopkins attributes the beauty and diversity of nature to God’s creative power. The poem opens with a declaration, “Glory be to God,” acknowledging God as the source of all beauty (“Glory be to God for dappled things,” line 1). Hopkins sees God’s handiwork in the contrasting elements and variegated patterns of nature, describing them as “counter, original, spare, strange” (line 7). He asserts that it is God who “fathers-forth” (line 10) all these diverse and beautiful things, underscoring the idea of God as the ultimate creator whose beauty transcends change and time (“whose beauty is past change,” line 10).
• Appreciation of the Ordinary and Everyday: Another theme in “Pied Beauty” is the appreciation for the beauty found in ordinary and everyday things. Hopkins marvels at the simple yet intricate details in nature, such as the patterns on trout and the wings of finches. He finds beauty in the landscape that is “plotted and pieced” (line 5), which includes agricultural elements like “fold, fallow, and plough.” The poem suggests that beauty is not only found in grand or extraordinary things but also in the mundane aspects of life, such as the tools and craftsmanship of various trades (“their gear and tackle and trim,” line 6).
• Contrasts and Dualities: Hopkins explores the theme of contrasts and dualities throughout “Pied Beauty,” showcasing the range and diversity of experiences in life. He juxtaposes opposites such as “swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim” (line 9), demonstrating the multifaceted nature of existence. The poem celebrates not only the harmonious and pleasant aspects of life but also those that are fleeting, unpredictable, or unconventional (“fickle, freckled,” line 8). These contrasts underscore Hopkins’ belief that all aspects of creation contribute to the overall beauty of the world, reflecting the divine wisdom and creativity in encompassing such diversity within a unified whole.

Literary Theories and “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Literary Theory	Description	Reference from the Poem
Imagism	Focus on clear and concise language, precise images, and free verse	“For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;” (precise image) “Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls;” (clear and concise language)
Symbolism	Using objects to represent abstract ideas or concepts	“dappled things” (representing diversity and uniqueness) “rose-moles” (representing beauty and imperfection)
Poststructuralism	Challenging traditional notions of meaning and interpretation	“All things counter, original, spare, strange;” (challenging traditional notions of beauty) “He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:” (questioning the nature of beauty and its creator)

Critical Questions about “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

• How does the poem’s opening line establish its central theme?
• The opening line, “Glory be to God for dappled things,” immediately sets the tone for the poem as a hymn of praise to God for the beauty found in variety and diversity. The word “dappled” refers to things that are marked with spots or patches of different colors, emphasizing the uniqueness and individuality of each creation. This line introduces the central theme of appreciating the beauty in the seemingly imperfect and contrasting elements of the natural world.
• What is the significance of the imagery used in the first stanza?
• The first stanza employs vivid imagery drawn from nature and everyday life to illustrate the concept of “pied beauty.” The “skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow,” “rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim,” and “fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls” are all examples of the varied and contrasting patterns found in nature. These images create a visual tapestry that celebrates the diversity and beauty of God’s creations, both large and small.
• How does the second stanza shift the focus of the poem?
• The second stanza shifts the focus from specific examples of pied beauty to a more abstract and philosophical reflection on the nature of God’s creation. The phrase “All things counter, original, spare, strange” encompasses a wider range of qualities, suggesting that even things that seem contradictory, unusual, or plain can be sources of beauty and wonder. This shift expands the scope of the poem beyond the purely visual and encourages a deeper contemplation of the divine purpose behind creation.
• What is the effect of the final line, “Praise him”?
• The final line, “Praise him,” serves as a direct call to worship and a culmination of the poem’s overarching theme. It is a simple yet powerful conclusion that echoes the opening line and reinforces the central message of gratitude and reverence for the creator. The repetition of the imperative verb “Praise” emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the beauty found in all aspects of creation, both “dappled” and seemingly ordinary.

Literary Works Similar to “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

1. “The Windhover” by Gerard Manley Hopkins: Hopkins’ “The Windhover” shares similar themes of nature’s beauty and divine presence. It depicts the poet’s awe at observing a kestrel in flight, praising its grace and beauty while reflecting on God’s creation. Like “Pied Beauty,” it showcases Hopkins’ unique style of vivid imagery and spiritual contemplation.
2. “God’s Grandeur” by Gerard Manley Hopkins: Another poem by Hopkins, “God’s Grandeur,” explores themes of God’s presence in nature and the resilience of the natural world despite human interference. It reflects on the beauty and power of God’s creation, echoing the spiritual depth and reverence found in “Pied Beauty.”
3. “The Hound of Heaven” by Francis Thompson: Francis Thompson’s “The Hound of Heaven” similarly explores spiritual themes but through a different lens. It portrays a pursuit of the soul by God’s love, utilizing rich imagery and deep emotional intensity to convey its message. While different in form and narrative style, it shares with “Pied Beauty” a profound spiritual reflection on divine presence in the world.
4. “The World is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth: Wordsworth’s poem laments humanity’s disconnection from nature and spiritual values in the face of industrialization. While different in tone and perspective, it shares with “Pied Beauty” a concern for the spiritual and moral implications of human interaction with the natural world.
5. “To a Skylark” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Shelley’s poem “To a Skylark” celebrates the beauty and freedom of the skylark, using vivid imagery and metaphor to evoke the bird’s transcendence. Like “Pied Beauty,” it explores the awe-inspiring qualities of nature and the spiritual or philosophical implications of its beauty.

Suggested Readings: “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

• Mariani, Paul. Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Life. Viking, 2008.
• Sulloway, Alison G. Gerard Manley Hopkins and the Victorian Temper. Columbia UP, 1972.
• Gardner, W. H. Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Study of Poetic Idiosyncrasy in Relation to Poetic Tradition. U of Washington P, 1949.
• “Gerard Manley Hopkins.” Poetry Foundation, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/gerard-manley-hopkins.
• “Pied Beauty.” Poetry Society of America at www.poetrysociety.org

Representative Quotations of “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Glory be to God for dappled things”	Opening line, introducing the theme of praising God for unique and diverse creations	Religious Symbolism: The poem uses “dappled things” as a symbol of God’s creation and diversity.
“For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim”	Describing the beauty of nature, specifically the unique markings on trout	Imagism: This line showcases Hopkins’ use of vivid and precise language to create powerful images.
“All things counter, original, spare, strange”	Emphasizing the diversity and uniqueness of God’s creations	Poststructuralism: This line challenges traditional notions of beauty and perfection, embracing the strange and unusual.
“He fathers-forth whose beauty is past change”	Praising God as the creator of unchanging beauty	Religious Symbolism: God is symbolized as the creator of eternal beauty, which is reflected in the natural world.
“Praise him”	Final line, emphasizing the importance of praising God for his creations	Religious Symbolism: The poem concludes by emphasizing the importance of praising God for his diverse and beautiful creations.