축혼가로서의 홉킨스의 「축혼가」-패트모어의 영향을 중심으로

Hopkins’s “Epithalamion” as an Epithalamion Influenced by Patmore’s Poetry

This essay aims to analyze Hopkins’s “Epithalamion”, comparing it to Patmore’s works, while showing that it is indeed deserving of its designation as an epithalamion. Patmore’s The Angel in the House and other poetical works were not only beloved of the time but also represented the epitome of the ideal 19th century Christian marriage. Hopkins’s inclusion of naked boys bathing in the dean and a priest bathing in a neighboring pool, has led to his “Epithalamion” being regarded by many as mysterious. This paper shows how these concepts find their origin in Patmore’s works. First, the dean is erotically described and the boys are depicted as pure, resembling the descriptions and concepts in Patmore’s work. The two poets use similar dictions and rhymes; “loins/loin’d” and “shout/rout” in the context of the union between man and woman. Secondly the stranger in “Epithalamion”, a priest who bathes in a pool after feeling “a sudden zest” from observing vigorous boys play, is similar to the man who feels at peace and also sinks into a holy pool after seeing children playing in Patmore’s poem. Hopkins’s dictions like “summer's sovereign good,” “earthworld, airworld, waterworld,” “shadowiest,” are strikingly similar to Patmore’s “in thy sovereign heart,” “The Heavens and the Earth,” “the gay Waters,” and “shadows of the heavens.” Patmore focuses on the role of a dean in a wedding, influences Hopkins’ stranger and priest feeling delight with the Incarnation through the wedding sacrament. Thus it can be said Hopkins’s “Epithalamion” owes much to Patmore’s.