Matthew Arnold, a towering figure of Victorian literature, influenced both poetry and literary criticism. His life’s work continues to influence our understanding of culture and society to this day.
The Making of a Literary Giant
Born on December 24, 1822, in Laleham, England, Matthew Arnold grew up in a world steeped in intellectual pursuits. His father, Dr. Thomas Arnold, was the renowned headmaster of Rugby School, instilling in young Matthew a deep appreciation for classical education and moral values.
Arnold’s own educational journey took him to Winchester College, Rugby School, and finally to Balliol College, Oxford. It was here, amidst the “dreaming spires,” that his poetic voice began to take shape, influenced by the Romantic poets and the classical traditions he so admired.
The Poet’s Voice
Arnold’s poetry is a testament to his keen observation of the human condition and the changing world around him. His most famous poem, “Dover Beach,” captures the essence of his poetic genius:
The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair Upon the straits; on the French coast the light Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand, Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.
This haunting piece reflects Arnold’s deep-seated concerns about the erosion of faith and certainty in the face of rapid societal changes. It’s a masterful blend of vivid imagery and profound philosophical reflection – a hallmark of Arnold’s poetic style.
The Critical Mind
While Arnold’s poetry secured his place in the literary canon, it was his work as a literary critic that truly set him apart. His essays, collected in works like “Essays in Criticism” (1865), revolutionized the way we approach literature and culture.
Arnold championed the idea of “disinterestedness” in criticism, arguing for an objective approach to evaluating literature. He believed that the best criticism should be free from personal biases and moral judgments, focusing instead on the work’s inherent qualities.
Culture and Anarchy: A Vision for Society
In 1869, Arnold published “Culture and Anarchy,” a work that would cement his reputation as a social critic. This seminal text explored the concept of culture as “the best that has been thought and said in the world.” Arnold argued for the transformative power of culture in society, seeing it as a means to achieve social harmony and individual perfection.
The book’s title itself is a powerful juxtaposition, highlighting Arnold’s belief that culture could be a stabilizing force against the potential chaos of rapid social change. His ideas continue to resonate in our discussions about education, social policy, and the role of the arts in society.
A Lasting Legacy
Matthew Arnold passed away on April 15, 1888, but his influence on Victorian literature and beyond is immeasurable. His poetry continues to be studied and admired for its lyrical beauty and philosophical depth. His critical works have shaped generations of literary scholars and continue to inform our understanding of culture and society.
Arnold’s life and work remind us of the power of literature to illuminate the human experience and shape our understanding of the world. As we face our own era of rapid change and uncertainty, Arnold’s words continue to offer insight and inspiration.
Whether you’re a student of literature, a lover of poetry, or simply curious about the intellectual giants of the past, exploring Matthew Arnold’s works is a journey well worth taking. His blend of poetic sensitivity and critical acumen offers a unique perspective on the enduring questions of human existence and the role of culture in our lives.
Explore Matthew Arnold’s Works
Cadmus and Harmonia
Far, far from here,
The Adriatic breaks in a warm bay
Among the green Illyrian hills; and there
The sunshine in the happy glens is fair,
And by the sea, and in the brakes.
The grass is cool, the sea-side air
Buoyant and fresh, the mountain flowers
More virginal and sweet than ours.
And there, they say, two bright and aged snakes,
Who once were Cadmus and Harmonia,
Bask in the glens or on the warm sea-shore,
In breathless quiet, after all their ills;
Nor do they see their country, nor the place
Where the Sphinx lived among the frowning hills,
Nor the unhappy palace of their race,
Nor Thebes, nor the Ismenus, any more.
There those two live, far in the Illyrian brakes!
They had stay’d long enough to see,
In Thebes, the billow of calamity
Over their own dear children roll’d,
Curse upon curse, pang upon pang,
For years, they sitting helpless in their home,
A grey old man and woman; yet of old
The Gods had to their marriage come,
And at the banquet all the Muses sang.
Therefore they did not end their days
In sight of blood, but were rapt, far away,
To where the west-wind plays,
And murmurs of the Adriatic come
To those untrodden mountain-lawns; and there
Placed safely in changed forms, the pair
Wholly forgot their first sad life, and home,
And all that Theban woe, and stray
For ever through the glens, placid and dumb.
-Matthew Arnold
Curated by Jennifer
