Hunger, Poetry and the Oxford Movement: The Tractarian Social Vision

This book explores how the Oxford Movement influenced British poets of the nineteenth century to address issues of poverty and economic injustice, challenging the assumption that High-Church politics were conservative and removed from the social crises of the Victorian period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the profound influence of the Oxford Movement on a select group of influential British poets of the nineteenth century. It explores their profound contemplations on the themes of hunger, poverty, and economic injustice, shedding light on their innermost thoughts and emotions. Through a meticulous examination of the works of Christina Rossetti, Coventry Patmore, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Adelaide Anne Procter, Alice Meynell, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Lesa Scholl uncovers the extent to which these poets, despite not all being Anglo-Catholics themselves, engaged with the Tractarian social vision when addressing issues of poverty and economic injustice both within and beyond their poetic creations. By intertwining economic and cultural history with the sensory materiality of poetry, Hunger, Poetry, and the Oxford Movement boldly challenges the prevailing notion that High-Church politics were inherently conservative and disconnected from the social crises of the Victorian era.

The Oxford Movement, a religious and cultural movement that emerged in the late 1830s and early 1840s in England, had a significant impact on the literary landscape of the nineteenth century. This movement, which was influenced by the teachings of John Henry Newman and other Tractarian leaders, sought to revitalize the Church of England and bring it closer to its Catholic roots. One of the most notable effects of the Oxford Movement on British poetry was its emphasis on the importance of the senses and the material world.

Poets such as Christina Rossetti, Coventry Patmore, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Adelaide Anne Procter, Alice Meynell, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson were particularly influenced by this emphasis. They sought to use sensory imagery and vivid language to convey the experiences of the poor and marginalized, and to explore the spiritual and emotional dimensions of poverty and economic injustice.

In her book, Hunger, Poetry, and the Oxford Movement, Lesa Scholl examines the extent to which these poets engaged with the Tractarian social vision when grappling with issues of poverty and economic injustice. She argues that while not all of these poets were Anglo-Catholics themselves, they were all influenced by the Tractarian emphasis on social justice and the importance of the human person.

One of the key themes in the poetry of the Oxford Movement was the idea of the "poor man's friend." This concept was articulated by John Henry Newman in his essay "The Idea of a University," in which he argued that the university should be a place where the poor and marginalized could find education and opportunity. This idea was taken up by poets such as Christina Rossetti, who wrote about the plight of the poor and the importance of compassion and empathy.

Coventry Patmore, another poet influenced by the Oxford Movement, wrote about the social and economic conditions of the working class in his poem "The Mill." He used vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the harsh realities of life in the factory, and to advocate for workers' rights and social reform.

Gerard Manley Hopkins, another key figure in the Oxford Movement, was known for his complex and innovative poetry. He used sensory imagery and metaphor to explore the spiritual and emotional dimensions of poverty and economic injustice. In his poem "The Wreck of the Deutschland," for example, he used the image of a shipwreck to symbolize the destruction of the human spirit and the social and economic systems that perpetuate poverty and inequality.

Adelaide Anne Procter, another poet influenced by the Oxford Movement, wrote about the experiences of women and children in poverty and social exclusion. In her poem "The Blind Girl," for example, she used the image of a blind girl to symbolize the isolation and loneliness of those who are marginalized and excluded from society.

Alice Meynell, another poet influenced by the Oxford Movement, wrote about the spiritual and emotional dimensions of poverty and economic injustice. In her poem "The Darkling Thrush," for example, she used the image of a darkling thrush to symbolize the resilience and hope of those who are marginalized and oppressed.

Alfred, Lord Tennyson, one of the most famous poets of the Victorian era, was also influenced by the Oxford Movement. In his poem "Ulysses," for example, he used the image of the sea to symbolize the vastness and complexity of the human experience and the challenges of navigating the social and economic systems that perpetuate poverty and inequality.

In conclusion, the Oxford Movement had a profound impact on the literary landscape of the nineteenth century, particularly on the poetry of Christina Rossetti, Coventry Patmore, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Adelaide Anne Procter, Alice Meynell, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. This movement emphasized the importance of the senses and the material world, and sought to use poetry to convey the experiences of the poor and marginalized. Through their engagement with the Tractarian social vision, these poets challenged the prevailing notion that High-Church politics were inherently conservative and disconnected from the social crises of the Victorian era. Their poetry continues to inspire and challenge us today, reminding us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and social justice in our world.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350237414