 |
Matthew ArnoldEnglish poet, critic and educator
Date of Birth: 24.12.1822
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Matthew Arnold
Matthew Arnold was an English poet, critic, and educator. He was also one of the most authoritative literary scholars and essayists of the Victorian period. Arnold stood at the forefront of the movement for the renewal of the Anglican Church.
Early Life and Education
Matthew Arnold was the son of Thomas Arnold, who served as the headmaster of Rugby School for 13 years. During his time at Oxford University, he was strongly influenced by John Henry Newman and other members of the Oxford Movement. Throughout his life, Oxford remained synonymous with the accumulated culture and civilization of humanity for Arnold, which he felt were being undermined by the "rabble" (working class), "Philistines" (bourgeoisie), and "barbarians" (aristocracy).
Professional Life
Arnold worked as an inspector of provincial schools and traveled extensively throughout the country. In his seminal work, "Culture and Anarchy" (1869), Arnold pessimistically reflects on the chaotic era of the Industrial Revolution from the ivory tower of refined intellectual aristocracy. He extols poetry, which he believes replaces religion for modern individuals. Poetry is sought for the interpretation of life, moral support, and solace.
Views on Poetry
As evident from his lectures on "The Translations of Homer" (1860), Arnold considers ancient Greek and Roman authors, who were a source of inspiration for poets of the classical era, as models for modern poets. His own poetic works are characterized by unity of place and action, impartiality, generalization, and architectural qualities, which he juxtaposes with the destructive chaos of everyday life ("On Dover Beach", 1867).
Legacy
Arnold's poetry was highly esteemed by his contemporaries, leading to his appointment as the Professor of Poetry at Oxford University in 1857.
