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영어

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ecological contents of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ nature poems based on theology. Christianity has been well known for deep anthropocentricity. Such anthropocentric contents can be found in Hopkins’ poems, especially in “God’ Grandeur” and “Hurrahing in Harvest.” Nature is created for human beings, and its own significance is brought to completion by human existence. This is originally from “Genesis” in The Bible. God made man superior to nature and also allowed him to care for it. This means nature is created by God’s providence and human beings should take responsibility for nature. In “Binsey Poplars,” Hopkins points out this responsibility and shows his deep sorrow for people failing to carry out. Hopkins finds nature will never recover its original state once it is fallen. Therefore his poems become drastically pessimistic and gloomy. In “Ribblesdale,” nature’s economy is totally collapsed and yet human beings are selfish and corrupt. Hopkins takes it a sign of the Apocalypse. Hopkins figures a cosmic catastrophe without any salvation in “Spelt from Sibyl’s Leaves.” There, mankind and nature end together and the world is disassembled. Hopkins’ apocalyptic mood gives a practical warning about the future of human beings on the earth. Because of his resolute belief in theology, his ecologic vision is quite tense and desperate.