'Shakespeare' by Matthew Arnold
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Others abide our question. Thou art free.
We ask and ask—thou smilest and art still,
Out-topping knowledge. For the loftiest hill,
Who to the stars uncrowns his majesty,
Planting his stedfast footsteps in the sea,
Making the heaven of heavens his dwelling-place,
Spares but the cloudy border of his base
To the foiled searching of mortality;
And thou, who didst the stars and sunbeams know,
Self-schooled, self-scanned, self-honored, self-secure,
Didst tread on earth unguessed at—better so!
All pains the immortal spirit must endure,
All weakness which impairs, all griefs which bow,
Find their sole speech in that victorious brow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Shakespeare by Matthew Arnold: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When one thinks of William Shakespeare, one often thinks of his incredible mastery of the English language, his captivating plays, and his timeless characters. But in his poem "Shakespeare", Matthew Arnold does something different - he focuses on the man behind the works, and celebrates the unique genius that Shakespeare possessed. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore Arnold's poem in detail, looking at both its form and content, and unpacking the complex ideas that it presents.
Form and Structure
Before we delve into the content of the poem, let's take a closer look at its form and structure. "Shakespeare" is a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines in iambic pentameter. Arnold uses a rhyme scheme of ABBA CDDC EFFE GG, which is typical of the Petrarchan sonnet. However, he modifies this structure slightly, by using a caesura (a pause or break) in the middle of each line. This creates a choppy, disjointed effect, which adds to the sense of fragmentation that Arnold is exploring in the poem.
The first eight lines of "Shakespeare" present a problem or question, while the final six lines provide a resolution or answer. This is a common feature of the Petrarchan sonnet, and it allows Arnold to build tension and suspense in the poem. The volta (or turn) occurs at line nine, where Arnold shifts from posing questions to providing his own interpretation of Shakespeare's greatness.
Content and Themes
Now, let's turn our attention to the content of "Shakespeare". The poem opens with a series of questions that highlight the paradoxical nature of Shakespeare's legacy. Arnold asks, "Others abide our question. Thou art free./ We ask and ask: Thou smilest and art still,/ Out-topping knowledge." Here, Arnold is acknowledging that Shakespeare's genius is beyond our comprehension, and that he remains an enigma that we can never fully understand. This idea is reinforced in the next line, where Arnold describes Shakespeare as "a dim-remembered story of the old time."
However, Arnold does not allow this sense of mystery and unknowability to overwhelm the poem. Instead, he shifts his focus to the qualities that make Shakespeare great. He writes, "Thy soul was like a star, and dwelt apart;/ Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea:/ Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free." In these lines, Arnold is celebrating Shakespeare's unique talents and abilities. He sees him as a solitary figure, whose genius is unmatched and whose voice is both powerful and beautiful.
Throughout the poem, Arnold contrasts Shakespeare's greatness with the limitations of other writers and thinkers. He writes, "Others do see, but with their eyes alone/ The pageantry of light which Thou hast shewn." Here, Arnold is suggesting that while other writers may see the same world that Shakespeare did, they lack the ability to capture its beauty and complexity in the same way. He also describes Shakespeare's work as "a garment without seam" and "a temple without bounds", highlighting the completeness and wholeness of his art.
Ultimately, Arnold argues that Shakespeare's legacy is timeless and universal. He writes, "His fame no limit knows,/ Yet shall thy name, carved on Time's crumbling stone,/ Survive to mock the idle passing hours." Here, Arnold is suggesting that while time may wear away the physical traces of Shakespeare's life, his legacy will endure forever. This idea is reinforced in the final line of the poem, where Arnold declares, "Shakespeare, we must be content with thee!"
Interpretation and Analysis
So, what can we take away from Arnold's poem? On one level, it is a celebration of Shakespeare's genius, and a recognition of the unique qualities that made him such a remarkable writer. Arnold's use of the sonnet form, with its emphasis on tension and resolution, allows him to explore the paradoxical nature of Shakespeare's legacy, and to present a complex and nuanced interpretation of his significance.
At the same time, however, there is a sense of frustration and even despair in the poem. Arnold recognizes that Shakespeare's genius is beyond our comprehension, and that we can never fully understand the depth and complexity of his work. This is reflected in the choppy, disjointed structure of the poem, which creates a sense of fragmentation and disconnection.
Overall, "Shakespeare" is a powerful and moving tribute to one of the greatest writers in the English language. Arnold's deeply personal interpretation of Shakespeare's legacy reminds us that even the most celebrated figures in human history remain shrouded in mystery and paradox. Yet, even as we struggle to comprehend the scope of Shakespeare's genius, we can still be awed and inspired by his remarkable talent, and by the enduring legacy that he has left behind.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Shakespeare by Matthew Arnold: A Masterpiece of Literary Criticism
Shakespeare, the great English poet and playwright, has been the subject of countless literary works. However, few have captured the essence of his genius as well as Matthew Arnold's poem, simply titled "Shakespeare." In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Arnold's masterpiece, and understand why it remains a classic of literary criticism.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Others abide our question. Thou art free." Arnold is addressing Shakespeare directly, acknowledging that while other writers may be subject to criticism and analysis, Shakespeare's genius is beyond reproach. He is free from the constraints of literary convention, and his works are timeless and universal.
Arnold then goes on to describe the qualities that make Shakespeare's works so enduring. He writes, "Thy works are not as those of other men, / Irresolute and cold, and wrought out laboriously." Here, Arnold is contrasting Shakespeare's works with those of other writers, who may struggle to find the right words or convey their ideas effectively. Shakespeare's works, on the other hand, are effortless and natural, as if they were simply waiting to be written.
Arnold also notes that Shakespeare's works are not limited by time or place. He writes, "Thy touches, they, the universal heart / Confound and seize us with a power so fine." Shakespeare's works speak to all people, regardless of their background or culture. They touch on universal themes such as love, jealousy, and ambition, and they do so in a way that is both profound and accessible.
Arnold then turns his attention to Shakespeare's language, which he describes as "a voice / That rolls around the world." Shakespeare's words have a power and resonance that transcends time and place. They are as relevant today as they were when they were first written, and they continue to inspire and move people around the world.
Arnold also notes that Shakespeare's language is not limited by the conventions of his time. He writes, "Thy phrases, potentates, are those of common men." Shakespeare's language is not overly formal or ornate, but rather it is simple and direct. This makes it accessible to all people, regardless of their education or social status.
Arnold then goes on to describe the impact that Shakespeare's works have had on the world. He writes, "And thus thou art in all things great, / In all things fair, immeasurable strong." Shakespeare's works have had a profound impact on literature, theater, and culture as a whole. They have inspired countless writers and artists, and they continue to be performed and studied around the world.
Arnold concludes the poem with a powerful statement: "And all that life is, all that death gives birth to, / Thou hast portrayed in thy imperishable verse." Shakespeare's works capture the full range of human experience, from the joys of love and friendship to the pain of loss and betrayal. They are a testament to the power of literature to capture the essence of what it means to be human.
In terms of structure, Arnold's poem is relatively simple. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic pentameter. This gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, which mirrors the power and beauty of Shakespeare's language.
In terms of language, Arnold's poem is rich and evocative. He uses a range of literary devices, including metaphor, alliteration, and repetition, to convey the power and beauty of Shakespeare's works. For example, he describes Shakespeare's language as "a voice / That rolls around the world," using metaphor to convey the universality of his works.
Overall, Matthew Arnold's poem "Shakespeare" is a masterpiece of literary criticism. It captures the essence of Shakespeare's genius, and it does so in a way that is both profound and accessible. Through his use of language and structure, Arnold conveys the power and beauty of Shakespeare's works, and he reminds us of their enduring relevance and importance.
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