Matthew Arnold

Matthew Arnold Vanity Fair 11 November 1871

Matthew Arnold grave

Matthew arnold cartoon

Blue plaque Matthew Arnold

Frances Lucy Arnold Falk

Matthew Arnold (24 December 1822 – 15 April 1888) was a British poet, literary critic, and cultural critic who is considered one of the most influential figures of the Victorian era. Arnold's work as a critic sought to address the challenges of his time by advocating for a balance between classical ideals of beauty and discipline, and the emotional depth of Romanticism. His poetry often reflects this tension, exploring themes of human isolation, the struggle for faith, and the quest for meaning in an increasingly modern world.

Biography

Matthew Arnold was born in Laleham, Middlesex, England, into a family steeped in religious and intellectual tradition. His father, Thomas Arnold, was a famed educator and the headmaster of Rugby School, who is also remembered for his role in reforming public school education in England. Matthew Arnold was educated at Rugby School and later at Balliol College, Oxford, where he won the Newdigate Prize for poetry.

After leaving Oxford, Arnold embarked on a career as a school inspector, a position he held for over 35 years. This job required extensive travel throughout England and exposed him to the realities of British society, influencing his critical writings. In 1851, he published his first book of poetry, The Strayed Reveller, and Other Poems, under the pseudonym "A." His subsequent collections, including Empedocles on Etna (1852) and Poems (1853), which included the famous "Dover Beach," established his reputation as a poet.

Literary Work

Arnold's literary criticism is perhaps what he is best known for today. In works such as The Function of Criticism at the Present Time (1864) and Culture and Anarchy (1869), Arnold argued for the importance of culture as a means of addressing societal ills. He believed that society needed to strive for a balance between the "Hebraism" of moral rigor and the "Hellenism" of aesthetic and intellectual beauty. His critical essays also advocated for a high standard of taste and judgment, influenced by his classical education and his belief in the transformative power of literature.

Poetry

Arnold's poetry is characterized by its melancholic tone and its exploration of the human condition. His best-known poem, "Dover Beach," reflects his concern with the diminishing faith of the era and the isolation that this loss engenders. Arnold's poetic works often grapple with the quest for certainty in an uncertain world, a theme that resonates with the broader existential concerns of the Victorian period.

Legacy

Matthew Arnold's influence extends beyond his contributions to poetry and criticism. His ideas about culture and society have had a lasting impact on the fields of literature, education, and social theory. Arnold's emphasis on the importance of high culture and moral seriousness, as well as his advocacy for a balanced approach to education and life, continue to be relevant in contemporary discussions about the role of the humanities and the value of a liberal education.

Selected Works

• The Strayed Reveller, and Other Poems (1851)
• Empedocles on Etna, and Other Poems (1852)
• Poems (1853)
• Culture and Anarchy (1869)
• The Function of Criticism at the Present Time (1864)

See Also

• Victorian literature
• Literary criticism
• Cultural criticism
• Poetry of the United Kingdom