Imagery and symbolism in Spring

Imagery and symbolism

The octave begins with a simple but dramatic statement, as Hopkins gives as an image-filled description of the season, picking out four features:

  • weeds (like brambles)
  • thrushes and their eggs
  • a pear-tree in blossom
  • lambs.

These are all set against a moving blue sky. The imagery is mainly visual, but the birdsong does ‘wring/ The ear like lightening'- a dramatic image where aural is made visual.

Investigating Spring
  • Pick out words that convey the energy of the scene.
  • In what way can the eggs be described as ‘little low heavens'?
  • Why do you think the octave is one long sentence?
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