Gerard Manley Hopkins was born on July 28, 1844 in Stratford, Essex, England. He was the eldest of nine children born to Catherine and Manley Hopkins. His father was a successful marine insurance adjuster, and the family enjoyed a comfortable middle-class upbringing. Hopkins showed an early aptitude for poetry and was encouraged by his parents to pursue his artistic interests.
Hopkins received his early education at Highgate School, where he excelled academically and won several awards for his poetry. It was during his time at Highgate that he discovered the work of the Romantic poet John Keats, whose lush imagery and poignant themes would greatly influence Hopkins' own poetic style.
After completing his studies at Highgate, Hopkins went on to attend Balliol College, Oxford. It was at Oxford that he truly honed his poetic skills and developed his own unique voice. He became known for his experimentation with rhythm and imagery, often incorporating religious themes into his work.
After graduating from Oxford, Hopkins decided to pursue a career in the priesthood. He joined the Jesuit order in 1868 and was ordained a priest in 1877. Throughout his life, Hopkins struggled to balance his religious duties with his artistic pursuits, often feeling torn between his calling to the church and his passion for poetry.
Some of Hopkins' most famous poems include "Pied Beauty," "The May Magnificat," "As Kingfishers Catch Fire," and "The Caged Skylark." His poetry is known for its innovative use of rhythm and imagery, as well as its exploration of themes such as nature, beauty, and spirituality.
Despite his close ties to the church, Hopkins never married. He did, however, maintain a close friendship with a fellow poet named Digby Mackworth Dolben, whom he corresponded with extensively through letters. Their relationship has been the subject of much speculation and debate among literary scholars.
Gerard Manley Hopkins passed away on June 8, 1889, at the age of 44. Though he achieved only limited recognition during his lifetime, his poetry has since been lauded for its originality and depth. Hopkins' unique style continues to influence poets and readers around the world, cementing his place as one of the most innovative voices in Victorian poetry.