Comment on the Contrast Found in "Pied Beauty."

    Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem "Pied Beauty" is a sonnet that celebrates the beauty and diversity of nature. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of contrast. Throughout the poem, Hopkins uses contrast to emphasize the diversity and complexity of the natural world. In this article, we will comment on the contrast found in "Pied Beauty" by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

    The poem begins with the speaker praising God for the beauty of the world, with the phrase "Glory be to God for dappled things." The use of the phrase "dappled things" immediately sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing the beauty and diversity of nature. The speaker goes on to list a variety of examples of this diversity, including "skies of couple-colour" and "rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim." These examples of contrast create a vivid picture of the natural world, and emphasize the beauty of even the smallest details.

    One of the most prominent examples of contrast in the poem is the use of the phrase "counter, original, spare, strange." These four adjectives are used to describe the natural world, and each one creates a sense of contrast with the others. "Counter" suggests opposition or contrast, while "original" suggests uniqueness or individuality. "Spare" suggests simplicity or minimalism, while "strange" suggests unfamiliarity or mystery. Together, these four adjectives create a sense of tension and complexity, which is a reflection of the complexity and richness of nature.

    Another example of contrast in the poem is the use of color. The speaker notes that the skies are "dappled" with clouds, and that the landscape is "counter, original, spare, strange." These descriptions emphasize the idea that nature is not uniform or monotonous, but is instead full of variety and complexity. The use of color in the poem also emphasizes the idea of contrast and paradox, which is a recurring theme in Hopkins' work. For example, the speaker notes that nature is both "swift, slow; sweet, sour; a dazzle, dim." These contrasts and paradoxes create a sense of tension and complexity, which is a reflection of the complexity and richness of nature.

    The poem's structure is also characterized by contrast. Rather than following the traditional rhyme scheme of a sonnet, Hopkins uses a structure that emphasizes the diversity and complexity of nature. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza consisting of six lines and the second stanza consisting of eight lines. The use of this structure creates a sense of movement and fluidity, which is a reflection of the movement and fluidity of nature. The contrast between the two stanzas also creates a sense of tension and complexity, emphasizing the diversity and richness of the natural world.

    The poem's emphasis on the ordinary and the everyday is also characterized by contrast. The speaker notes that even things that are typically considered ugly or undesirable, such as "all trades, their gear and tackle and trim," can be beautiful in their own way. This emphasis on the beauty of the ordinary and the everyday is a way of celebrating the beauty and diversity of nature. By emphasizing the beauty of the ordinary and the everyday, Hopkins is able to convey his message of beauty in a way that is accessible and relatable to readers.

    The poem's religious themes are also characterized by contrast. The speaker's praise of God in the opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and the recognition of God's role in creating and sustaining the beauty of nature is a recurring theme throughout. The speaker notes that everything in nature is unique and different, and that this diversity is a reflection of the beauty and creativity of God. By celebrating the beauty of nature, the poem is also celebrating the beauty and creativity of God. The recognition of God's role in creating and sustaining the beauty of nature is a way of conveying Hopkins' message of beauty in a way that is spiritual and meaningful.

    Finally, the poem's use of paradox and contrast is worth noting. The speaker notes that nature is both "swift, slow; sweet, sour; adazzle, dim." These contrasts and paradoxes create a sense of tension and complexity, which is a reflection of the complexity and richness of nature. The use of contrast and paradox is a recurring theme in Hopkins' work, and is a way of emphasizing the diversity and complexity of the natural world.

    In conclusion, the contrast found in "Pied Beauty" is a key element in conveying Hopkins' message of beauty. The poem's use of contrast emphasizes the diversity and complexity of the natural world, and creates a sense of tension and complexity that is a reflection of the richness and beauty of nature. The use of contrast in the poem's language, imagery, structure, and themes all contribute to its message of beauty. "Pied Beauty" remains a celebrated example of nature poetry and religious poetry, and continues to inspire readers with its celebration of the beauty and diversity of nature.