Conversion to Roman Catholicism
Poet involved
What happened
In 1866, Hopkins converted to Roman Catholicism, a pivotal moment that profoundly influenced his personal life and poetry. This conversion led him to burn much of his early work, which he deemed incompatible with his new faith. The decision to embrace Catholicism marked a significant turning point in his artistic expression.
Literary impact
His conversion reshaped his poetic voice, leading to a focus on themes of spirituality, nature, and divine presence. The burning of his early poems signified a rebirth in his writing, as he sought to align his art with his faith, resulting in a more profound exploration of religious themes in his later works.
Source: Wikipedia