Always Quote by Gerard Manley Hopkins
“I always knew in my heart Walt Whitman's mind to be more like my own than any other man's living. As he is a very great scoundrel this is not a pleasant confession.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Windhover” by Gerard Manley Hopkins, 1888
The speaker admires Whitman's individuality but also feels conflicted, recognizing a darker side in the poet.
In simple terms: Admiration mixed with discomfort.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uniqueness while staying critical.
Themes
individuality
conflict
admiration
Mood
reflective
conflicted
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- personal identity
- ethical critique
Key Concepts
Romanticism
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of Whitman's mind do you admire?
- How do you reconcile admiration with criticism?
A Different Perspective
Whitman's complex legacy may challenge idealization.
