The Victorian Sonnet, from George Meredith to Gerard Manley Hopkins

Author:

Regan, Stephen

Format:

Journal Article

Year:

2006

Journal Title:

Yearbook of English Studies

Volume:

36

Issue:

2

Language:

English

Abstract:

The Victorian sonnet has too often been seen as a poor derivative of the great Renaissance and Romantic achievements in the genre, lacking the stylistic complexity and the political force of its predecessors. Despite its reputation, the Victorian sonnet is deeply preoccupied with questions of social justice and sexual equality. It is also far more innovative and experimental than is generally recognized. The most challenging and innovative sonnets are those written by George Meredith and Gerard Manley Hopkins, both of whom radically transform its scope and structure.

Who (Jesuits):

Hopkins, Gerard Manley, 1844–1889

What (Subjects):

Literature -- Poetry

Literature -- Literary Criticism

Where (Locations):

Europe -- UK -- England

When (Centuries):

19th century

Publisher URL:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/20479240

Page Range:

17–34

ISSN:

0306-2473

DOI:

10.2307/20479240