Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
Hopkins's "The Wreck of the Deutschland" was the first poem in which he fully deployed his invention of "sprung rhythm." (Source)
Hopkins subordinated his artistic career to his religious calling. He originally wanted to be a "painter-poet" but decided that this art form would be too passionate for someone destined for the clergy. (Source)
When Hopkins died of typhoid fever in 1889, his last words were, "I am happy, so happy." Maybe this poem offers a clue as to why... (Source)