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The Windhover To Christ our Lord I CAUGHT this morning…

“The Windhover To Christ our Lord I CAUGHT this morning morning’s minion, king- dom of daylight’s dauphin, dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon, in his riding Of the rolling level underneath him steady air, and striding High there, how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing In his ecstasy! then off, off…” quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins
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““The Windhover To Christ our Lord I CAUGHT this morning morning’s minion, king- dom of daylight’s dauphin, dapple-dawn-drawn Falcon, in his riding Of the rolling level underneath him steady air, and striding High there, how he rung upon the rein of a wimpling wing In his ecstasy! then off, off forth on swing, As a skate’s heel sweeps smooth on a bow-bend: the hurl and gliding Rebuffed the big wind. My heart in hiding Stirred for a bird,—the achieve of; the mastery of the thing! Brute beauty and valour and act, oh, air, pride, plume, here Buckle! AND the fire that breaks from thee then, a billion Times told lovelier, more dangerous, O my chevalier! No wonder of it: shéer plód makes plough down sillion Shine, and blue-bleak embers, ah my dear, Fall, gall themselves, and gash gold-vermillion. ””

Gerard Manley Hopkins

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem celebrates the majestic, daring flight of a falcon as a symbol of divine beauty and heroic spirit.

In simple terms: A falcon’s soaring is awe‑inspiring.

Key Takeaway

Observe and admire bold, natural excellence.

Themes

nature spirituality heroism beauty

Mood

reverent exhilarated

Type

poetic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • birdwatching
  • artistic inspiration
  • spiritual reflection
  • creative writing
  • environmental advocacy

Key Concepts

romanticism symbolism aesthetic appreciation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions does the falcon’s flight evoke?
  • How can you find heroic qualities in everyday moments?
A Different Perspective

The intense language may alienate readers unfamiliar with Victorian poetry.

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