Matthew Arnold, a prominent figure in the world of literature and education, enjoys an enduring influence on both fields owing to his immortal words. Born on December 24, 1822, Arnold was not only an accomplished poet but also an insightful educationalist and cultural critic whose ideas still resonate today. His contribution to literature and education has been profound and lasting, making his name a synonym for intellectual brilliance and critical thinking.
Arnold’s literary works are renowned for their perfect blend of thought-provoking themes and exquisite craftsmanship. His poems, such as “Dover Beach” and “The Scholar Gipsy”, are considered masterpieces that beautifully encapsulate his philosophical musings on the human condition and society. Arnold’s writings also reflect his deep concern for the loss of faith in the modern world and the ensuing spiritual crisis. The immortal words of Matthew Arnold have left a lasting imprint on literature, shaping the thoughts and work of numerous poets and authors who followed.
In the realm of education, Matthew Arnold was a visionary. He fervently believed in the power of education as a means to develop individual potential and build a better society. As an inspector of schools in Victorian England, he championed the cause of widespread public education and advocated for improved standards in teaching. His views on education, encapsulated in reports and essays, have significantly influenced educational policies and practices globally.
The immortal words of Matthew Arnold continue to reverberate through time, impacting literature and education in profound ways. His poetic genius and educational insights have not only enriched these fields but also contributed significantly to shaping societal attitudes and values. Whether through his evocative poetry or his enlightened views on education, Arnold’s enduring influence is a testament to his intellectual legacy.
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
