Introduction to Non-African Poetry- "Bisney Poplar" by G.M HOPKINS - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

"Binsey Poplars" by G.M. Hopkins:

Background and Setting of the Poem:
"Binsey Poplars" is a poem written by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a 19th-century English poet.
The poem is set in the countryside near Binsey, a village near Oxford, England.
The poem reflects Hopkins' love for nature and his concern about the destruction of a group of poplar trees.

Background of the Poem - Subject Matter/Summary:
- In "Binsey Poplars," the poet expresses his sorrow and regret upon seeing a group of poplar trees that had been cut down.
- He laments the loss of these trees, which he had found solace and beauty in during his time at Oxford.
- The poem reflects the idea of human impact on nature and the irreparable damage caused by such actions.
- Hopkins also finds solace in the thought of spiritual renewal and resurrection in nature.

Effective Use of Poetic Devices/Techniques:
- The poem uses a combination of rhyme and meter, known as sprung rhythm, which is a hallmark of Hopkins' style.
- Alliteration and assonance are used to create musicality in the verses, as seen in lines like "And brambles, and briers" and "With swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim."
- Enjambment, where lines run into each other without punctuation, adds a flowing and continuous quality to the poem.
- Hopkins employs a refrain in the poem, repeating the phrase "O if we but knew what we do" to emphasize the theme of human ignorance and its consequences.

Effective Use of Imagery/Symbolism:
- The poplar trees themselves serve as symbols of nature's beauty and innocence, and their destruction symbolizes the impact of human actions on the environment.
- The image of the "fresh and felled" trees paints a vivid picture of the trees being cut down.
- The comparison of the trees to "ten thousand thousand" tears highlights the emotional weight of their loss.
- The poem also uses religious imagery, with references to Christ and resurrection, suggesting hope and renewal even in the face of destruction.

In "Binsey Poplars," Gerard Manley Hopkins effectively combines his unique poetic techniques with deep imagery and symbolism to convey his emotional response to the destruction of nature. The poem encourages readers to reflect on the consequences of human actions on the environment and find hope in the potential for renewal and restoration.