Publication details for Professor Stephen Regan

Regan, S. (2006). 'The Victorian Sonnet, from George Meredith to Gerard Manley Hopkins.'. The Yearbook of English Studies 36(2): 17-34.

• Publication type: Journal Article
• ISSN/ISBN: 0306-2473
• Keywords: Genre, Social justice, Sexual equality.
• Further publication details on publisher web site
• Durham Research Online (DRO) - may include full text

Author(s) from Durham

• Professor Stephen Regan

Abstract

The Victorian sonnet has too often been seen as a poor derivative of the great Renaissance and Romantic achievements in the genre, lacking the stylistic complexity and the political force of its predecessors. Despite its reputation, the Victorian sonnet is deeply preoccupied with questions of social justice and sexual equality. It is also far more innovative and experimental than is generally recognized. The most challenging and innovative sonnets are those written by George Meredith and Gerard Manley Hopkins, both of whom radically transform its scope and structure.