GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS AND THE USE OF POETRY.

The author discusses the aesthetic philosophy of poet and English Jesuit Gerard Manley Hopkins, who debated in his letters with friends about the value of poetry to society. Jesuit attitudes toward literature in the 19th century, Hopkins interest in the relationship between poetry and speech, and the role in inspiration in poetry are discussed, as well as Hopkins analysis of the poetics of Alfred Tennyson. The nationalist value of poetry in Great Britain, Hopkins' ordination as a Roman Catholic priest, and his supernatural beliefs are also discussed.