earticle

영어

This article examines Gerard Manley Hopkins’ psychological struggles, as reflected in his Dark Sonnets, focusing the impact of job stress during his time in Ireland. Hopkins’ overwhelming responsibilities at the university, coupled with perfectionism and a sense of rejection, led to isolation and despair. His efforts to reconcile his work with his Jesuit identity, compounded by intense guilt and a lack of control, intensified his psychological distress. Using modern concepts like job involvement and stress, this analysis shows how these pressures contributed to his depression and possibly suicidal thoughts, as seen in “No Worst, There is None.” Beginning in 1886, positive relationships with members of the local community began to ease his suffering by providing social connection and respect, which are key factors in psychological well-being. Hopkins also set greater ambitions and sought to demonstrate his competence, which deepened his job involvement. This shift is reflected in his later works, such as “On the Portrait of Two Beautiful Young People” and “That Nature is a Heraclitean Fire and of the Comfort of the Resurrection,” where he reclaims his priestly identity and integrates his roles as both a scholar and priest, finding renewed purpose despite ongoing stress.