1. Hopkins believed that the beauty of nature proved the existence of God. Do you agree with him?
2. Hopkins believed that nature never tires, but is constantly renewing and regenerating itself. Do you think this is true?
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING
1. 2. 3. Why do you think Hopkins asks ‘Why do men then now not reck his rod?’
4. Refer to these lines to support your answer.
5. What do you think Hopkins was comparing God to in the last two lines of the poem: ‘the Holy Ghost over the bent/ World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings’?
6. What differences did you observe between the octet and the sestet of this poem? Refer to the poem to support your answer.
7. What kind of poem does the title ‘God’s Grandeur’ lead you to expect? Did this poem live up to those expectations?
8. What, in your opinion, is the main theme of this poem?
CREATING
1. Write a speech proposing or opposing the following motion: ‘Religion is an
2. Write an article for a popular magazine in which you encourage your readers to reconnecting with nature.
3. Hopkins believed in living according to the ten commandments. Write a list of ten rules you think everyone in the world should follow today. Include a brief explanation for each rule’s inclusion.