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The Study of Poetry Study Guide
Matthew Arnold (1822-1888)
Matthew Arnold was an influential English poet, cultural critic, and educator, who played a significant role in Victorian literature. Born in Laleham, Middlesex, Arnold was the son of the renowned headmaster Thomas Arnold of Rugby School. Educated at Rugby and later Balliol College, Oxford, Arnold became deeply immersed in classical studies, which profoundly influenced his literary and critical works.
Arnold's career was multifaceted; he served as a school inspector for over three decades, which provided him with a broad perspective on education and society. As a poet, Arnold is celebrated for works such as "Dover Beach," "The Scholar-Gipsy," and "Thyrsis," which reflect his preoccupation with the themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. His poetic style is marked by its lyrical quality, introspection, and classical restraint.
In addition to his poetry, Arnold is well-known for his critical essays, where he championed the importance of culture and the role of literature in society. His most famous prose work, "Culture and Anarchy" (1869), argues for the necessity of a cultured elite to guide societal progress.
Historical and Literary Context for "The Study of Poetry"
"The Study of Poetry" is an essay by Matthew Arnold, first published in 1880 as the introduction to T.H. Ward's anthology "The English Poets." The essay is a cornerstone of Arnold's literary criticism and reflects his belief in the moral and societal function of poetry.
The late 19th century, when Arnold wrote "The Study of Poetry," was a period of intense change and development. The Victorian era was characterized by industrial advancement, scientific discoveries, and expanding British imperialism. These changes brought about significant cultural and intellectual shifts, including challenges to traditional religious beliefs and the rise of secularism.
Arnold's essay emerged as a response to these transformations. He argued that poetry should be an essential means of preserving cultural values and fostering human understanding in an age of uncertainty. Arnold famously stated, "the future of poetry is immense," suggesting that poetry would replace religion as a source of solace and guidance.
In "The Study of Poetry," Arnold also introduced the concept of "the touchstone method," where he advocated judging the quality of poetry by comparing it to the greatest works of the past. He believed that by measuring contemporary poetry against the works of Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, and others, one could maintain high literary standards.
Arnold's critical approach emphasized the importance of disinterestedness, urging critics to set aside personal biases and evaluate literature based on its intrinsic merits. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern literary criticism and continue to influence the field today.
In summary, Matthew Arnold's contributions to poetry and criticism were deeply rooted in the cultural and intellectual currents of his time. "The Study of Poetry" remains a seminal work that underscores the enduring value of poetry in human life and culture.
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