Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
1998
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department / School
English
Abstract
While noted for his innovative individuality, Hopkins' life and convictions revealed in his letters, sermons, and journals, discloses that he shared with other Victorians their prevailing attitudes about the importance and sanctity of work. This thesis examines defining aspects of the Victorian religion of work and the historical and social developments which shaped it. References to specific trades and occupations in Hopkins' poetry not only evidence this era's reverence for work, but also reveal Hopkins' interest in writing about variety and diversity and in expressing the inscape of people and things. The thesis also demonstrates how Hopkins intended that his readers work when comprehending his poetry and when reading it aloud. To the best of the author's knowledge, no study specifically addressing work in Hopkins' writings exists.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Hopkins, Gerard Manley, 1844-1889 -- Criticism and interpretation
Work in literature
English poetry -- 19th century -- History and criticism
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Spolum, Kathleen, ""Gear and tackle and trim" : Gerard Manley Hopkins and the Victorian Religion of Work" (1998). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1997.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd2/1997
Rights Statement
