Thank you to Mr Ayers and the two fellows who invited him to come speak. It's hard for me to think of a lecture I've heard that was as thorough in its scholarship and treatment of its subject as it was inspired and inspiring. Mr Ayers' deep respect for his subject is palpable throughout and the illumination he brings to Hopkins' life and work, and his personal engagement with earlier critics, and his movement in and out of Hopkins' own words is so fluid, so clearly articulated that I found myself riveted. The hour spent listening to him was truly delightful! Hopkins' poetry is some of the greatest I've read, if not in fact THE greatest. I have continued to read and think about him since I first read "Pied Beauty" in high school. He has exerted a powerful influence on my writing, and I'd like to say I'm better off because of it, though I'd never try to imitate him. That would be silly and impossible. For me, he occupies a peak of poetic achievement all his own--the originality of his language, his peerless craft, and the powerful spiritual and natural energy and feeling he infuses into his work. And that he dedicated himself to all this alongside his religious devotion and work as a teacher, despite all the inner struggle, hardship, the lack of artistic recognition... I can't think of any poet whose work makes a more compelling case for the dynamism of a religious life, a Christian life, than his. For a moment, I almost considered changing my heathen ways... Thanks again to Mr Ayers and Mr Hopkins! There's hope for me yet.
This depiction of Hopkins accelerates my determination to encourage others to journal in Nature so as to arrive at a deep awareness of Presence within and to be enfolded
This was wonderful! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this insightful, poetic, beautifully written and loving introduction to Hopkins! What a gift you've given us!
Being introduced to the poetry of Hopkins was the only positive thing I gained from my secondary education. In the midst of all that oppressive gloom it was the one ray of sunlight. And has consoled me ever since.
Yes, I really love Hopkins. I discovered him fully later when I returned to poetry. I love that we can give him now the appreciation that he didn't get when he was alive. I wonder if that appreciation can filter through to him now somehow. And I'm so sorry that your school years were so unhappy. Hope life is better now.
I am grateful for this explanation, better late than never. His Poetry was always too much of everything all at once, well documented by Mr. Ayers. I am now prepared, able, to see his greatness. Thank You. As for the parents of the child making a perfect presentation distracting at times, they were tolerated beyond what was reasonable. Awful behavior. And typical.
God bless and keep you, dear Mr Ayers for this soul-filling presentation.
Claudette Lemyre
Beautiful talk. Thank you
Thank you to Mr Ayers and the two fellows who invited him to come speak. It's hard for me to think of a lecture I've heard that was as thorough in its scholarship and treatment of its subject as it was inspired and inspiring. Mr Ayers' deep respect for his subject is palpable throughout and the illumination he brings to Hopkins' life and work, and his personal engagement with earlier critics, and his movement in and out of Hopkins' own words is so fluid, so clearly articulated that I found myself riveted. The hour spent listening to him was truly delightful!
Hopkins' poetry is some of the greatest I've read, if not in fact THE greatest. I have continued to read and think about him since I first read "Pied Beauty" in high school. He has exerted a powerful influence on my writing, and I'd like to say I'm better off because of it, though I'd never try to imitate him. That would be silly and impossible. For me, he occupies a peak of poetic achievement all his own--the originality of his language, his peerless craft, and the powerful spiritual and natural energy and feeling he infuses into his work. And that he dedicated himself to all this alongside his religious devotion and work as a teacher, despite all the inner struggle, hardship, the lack of artistic recognition...
I can't think of any poet whose work makes a more compelling case for the dynamism of a religious life, a Christian life, than his. For a moment, I almost considered changing my heathen ways... Thanks again to Mr Ayers and Mr Hopkins! There's hope for me yet.
There's hope indeed for all of us.
You explain it all so beautifully. I loved listening to this lecture.
I wrote my MA thesis on Gerard Manley Hopkins' Sprung rhythm, "To What Serves Mortal Beauty"in 1956. I was 20 and totally loved Hopkins' poetics.
Such a beautiful lecturer, Mr Ayers read Gerard Manley- Hopkins's poetry with such sensitivity teasing out the inner meanings.
This depiction of Hopkins accelerates my determination to encourage others to journal in Nature so as to arrive at a deep awareness of Presence within and to be enfolded
A brilliant illuminating lecture. Thank you.
Thanks very much for this beautiful lecture ….poetry from the depth of heart
As you imply, Mr Ayers, Gerard will be a gift to every generation. Thank you for your words and work.
Thank you for presenting a lecture full of reverence and clarity. Reading Hopkins well is not easy, and these readings shine.
Beyond exemplary. Thankyou. A soul strengthening lecture.
Much gratitude to dear Steve Ayers for this wonderful lecture, for his heartful sharing with words and reaching out, touching beyond words.
This was wonderful! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for this insightful, poetic, beautifully written and loving introduction to Hopkins! What a gift you've given us!
Being introduced to the poetry of Hopkins was the only positive thing I gained from my secondary education. In the midst of all that oppressive gloom it was the one ray of sunlight. And has consoled me ever since.
Nope, nobody gives a shit.
Yes, I really love Hopkins. I discovered him fully later when I returned to poetry. I love that we can give him now the appreciation that he didn't get when he was alive. I wonder if that appreciation can filter through to him now somehow. And I'm so sorry that your school years were so unhappy. Hope life is better now.
Wonderful. Thank you!
I am grateful for this explanation, better late than never. His Poetry was always too much of everything all at once, well documented by Mr. Ayers. I am now prepared, able, to see his greatness. Thank You. As for the parents of the child making a perfect presentation distracting at times, they were tolerated beyond what was reasonable. Awful behavior. And typical.
"Teasing out his inner meanings" mayhaps draw his inner dragon. Beware, Entranced Morsel!
The book referenced prior to the lecture?
Yes, I would like to know the book shown by the man who introduced Mr. Ayers!
good lecture...but anyone else notice how he practically glows white?
@@Choraldiscourse hmm that works...thanks...
On the thumbnail I thought he was wearing a surgical cap, mask and gown