The poem describes a falcon the poet has observed. The poem describes how majestic the falcon is. He compares it to Jesus, in beauty, strength, bravery and action. He sees Christ as a warrior.
Themes
God & Nature – The falcon inspires Hopkins to think of God. It’s strength, bravery and beauty are linked with Christ’s battle against sin and death. While the falcon battles the wind, Christ fought against the forces of Evil.
Nature
The poem reveals Hopkin’s love of the natural world. This falcon captivated the poet, with its sheer strength, and its magnificent skill in flight. He is in awe of it. He refers to it in terms of royalty. “Daylights dauphin” “kingdom”.
The poet is inspired and moved by the bird’s memory aid braveness to take on the wind.
Language
Form – Petrarchan rhyme scheme. The first verse is purely referring to the falcon, but the sestet brings references to Christ.
Imagery
There is a large quantity of imagery present. “Striding.. upon the the rein of a wimpling wing” This displays the mastery of the bird in the air. “Skate’s heel sweeps smooth on a bow bend” shows the gracefulness of the bird.
“Blue bleak embers… gash gold vermillion.” This refers to the beauty of the embers as they are dying. This is in reference to Christ, who achieved his most noble feat in death.
Sound effects
Hopkins uses sound effects to relay his joy and excitement. His alliteration and controlled use of commas in the first five lines give a sense of excitement.
The uses of s’s and rolling r’s reveal the falcon’s majestic mastery of the air. The harsh sounds at the end enhances the description of the embers, and death.