FRANCIS THOMSON AND GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS: A BRIEF STUDY IN
CONTRAST This brief study in contrast attempts to reveal the
differing attitudes and approaches of the two Roman Catholic
Poets, namely Thomas Francis (1859-1907) and Gerard Manley
Hopkins (1844-89). In ‘The Hound of Heaven’, Thomas Francis’
poem, the poet conveys convincingly a sinner’s efforts to evade
the pursuing love of God, and, final surrender to that divine
love. Hopkins’ poems reveal the poet’s awareness of created
beauty as a reflection of God. His sonnets in particular
orchestrate his sense of frustration and suffering. His
disappointments, protests and revulsions have been stated with
candour. Thomson’s celebrated poem, ‘The Hound of Heaven’ is the
love of God in pursuit of the poet’s soul till he surrenders to
it. As he tries to evade the challenge, seeking consolation in
human love and earthly delights, the pressure of the divine
demand gathers urgency in the image of feet that pound behind
him till he is beaten to his knees by the inad