Peace

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1879

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Summary

Background

Poem Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Symbols & Motifs

Dove

The dove serves as a symbol of innocence, purity, and peace, and the usage of this symbol can be traced back through numerous different cultures and belief systems. For example, in Greece the dove symbolized love and renewal, while in Japan, the end of war was symbolized with a dove with a sword. Since Hopkins was a Roman Catholic priest, it is prudent to look deeper at the Christian symbolism of the dove. The Holy Spirit, one of the three Persons of the Trinity in the Christian faith, is often represented by a dove in the Bible as well as in various artistic representations. Matthew 3:16-17 reads, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him.” Since the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, it represents God’s presence and guidance. One of the most well-known references of a dove in the Bible is in the book of Genesis when Noah sends out a dove while he and his family are afloat on the ark to see if there is any land visible. When the dove does not return the second time, there is hope that the flood waters are receding. The dove serves as a promise of God’s protection, and that God will provide for those who believe.

War

War is a foil to the topic of “Peace” (Line 1); it is the complete antithesis of divine peace. War connotes conflict, turmoil, and hostility. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have had their fair share of wars. War can be external, between individuals or whole nations pitted against one another. Or, wars can be internal, taking place within an individual as they try to keep their morals, ethics, or values in line. War and peace are often considered to be mutually exclusive, however, one often only enjoys peace’s serenity after a long and difficult war. However, as the speaker realizes, this is not always the case.

Shelter

Hopkins’s poem features numerous references to shelter and houses. The first instance occurs early in the poem when the speaker questions when the “wooddove” (Line 1) will “under be my boughs” (Line 2). “Boughs” (Line 2) refer to “branches,” but the specific use of the preposition “under” in relation to the branches connotes covering and protection for the dove. The other reference to shelter occurs in the second stanza when the speaker states, “And when Peace here does house” (Line 9). To “house” means to provide someone or something with shelter and space. This notion of shelter and having a safe and secure place to reside and rest becomes closely associated with “Peace” (Line 1). In the speaker’s conceptualization of “Peace” (Line 1), wherever this dove comes to reside, feelings of safety and security should follow. This sensation is disturbed, however, when the speaker realizes at the poem’s conclusion that sometimes “Peace” (Line 9) only “comes to brood and sit” (Line 11).