Imaginative contemplation based on The Starlight night by Gerard Manley HopkinsGodawa, Marcin (Avtor) poetical imageChristian faithcontemplationtruthThe question of poetry as related to religious contemplation reveals the double-sided problem of image. On the one hand, there is the poetical image which consists in the metaphorical character of speech supported by the whole range of artistic means. On the other hand, the use of images becomes yet more interesting when connected with religious contemplation which is defined in terms of looking at the truth. Hence, the poetical image may be the way for a contemplating beholder. In this field, the question arises how a poetical vision could act in contemplation following its special requirements. In order to emphasize its substantial significance, imagination, including fairy associations, will be the special object of this research. This purpose will be achieved through the analysis of The Starlight Night by Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889), interpreted in the context of Christian understanding of contemplation. The order of presentation implies the exposition of literary ability of the poem, a consideration of its relation to the essence of contemplation and, finally, a terminological proposition for this kind of prayer. The usefulness of a poetical image in a religious field will then be proved and described.20202024-10-10 07:37:30Članek v reviji163666UDK: 27-583ISSN pri članku: 0006-5722DOI: 10.34291/BV2020/03/GodawaCOBISS_ID: 44684035sl