Attempt
a critical appreciation of G. M. Hopkins' poem Felix Randal
Felix Randal is a sonnet about a farrier, a blacksmith from
Hopkins' parish. It reflects on the farrier Felix Randal's dying, his last
illness, the priest's compassion for him and on his former strength.
In the
first quatrain Hopkins sketches the course of the farrier's illness as the
large man faded away until his thoughts became confused and four different
disorders combined to kill him.
In the second
quatrain the poet examines Felix's spiritual state. Initially, the farrier
cursed the loss of his former strength, but he became more patient as his
religious faith increased. He received "the sweet reprieve and
ransom" in the sacrament of the Holy Commission, which carries with it the
promise of forgiveness and new life. Hopkins later anointed him with holy oil.
The poet implores God to forgive any sin the farrier must have committed.
In the
sestet the poet states that looking after the sick can endear a priest in two
ways - he may receive affectionate gratitude from those he tends; and,
secondly, knowing that he is doing something worthwhile might make him less
discontented with himself. The comfort that the priest gave is perhaps the
knowledge of God's love, and his touch is perhaps the giving of a blessing.
Poor Felix, who is addressed as a child, is childlike in his helplessness, and
also a child of God in the eyes of the priest.