'To A Friend' by Matthew Arnold
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Who prop, thou ask'st in these bad days, my mind?--
He much, the old man, who, clearest-souled of men,
Saw The Wide Prospect, and the Asian Fen,
And Tmolus hill, and Smyrna bay, though blind.
Much he, whose friendship I not long since won,
That halting slave, who in Nicopolis
Taught Arrian, when Vespasian's brutal son
Cleared Rome of what most shamed him. But be his
My special thanks, whose even-balanced soul,
From first youth tested up to extreme old age,
Business could not make dull, nor passion wild;
Who saw life steadily, and saw it whole;
The mellow glory of the Attic stage,
Singer of sweet Colonus, and its child.
Editor 1 Interpretation
#To A Friend by Matthew Arnold: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
As I sit down to write this literary criticism and interpretation of Matthew Arnold's classic poem, "To A Friend," I cannot help but feel a sense of excitement. After all, Arnold is considered to be one of the greatest poets of the Victorian era, and "To A Friend" is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. So, let's dive in and explore the poem in all its glory.
##Background
Before we start analyzing the poem, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. "To A Friend" was written in 1849, a time when Arnold was going through a personal crisis. He had recently lost his father, and his faith in God was also shaken. It was during this time that he wrote some of his most introspective and philosophical poetry, including "To A Friend."
##Structure
The poem is written in four stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, and the meter is iambic pentameter. The use of iambic pentameter gives the poem a musical quality, and the rhyme scheme adds a sense of order and structure to the poem.
##Interpretation
Now, let's dive into the interpretation of the poem. The poem is addressed to a friend, and the speaker is trying to convey his sense of loss and despair. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the poem:
"Who prop, thou ask'st in these bad days, my mind?-- He much, the old man, who, clearest-souled of men, Saw The Wide Prospect, and the Asian Fen, And Tmolus hill, and Smyrna bay, though blind."
The speaker is asking his friend who is propping up his mind in these "bad days." The friend is described as an "old man" who had a clear soul and was able to see the beauty of the world, even though he was blind. The use of the phrase "bad days" suggests that the speaker is going through a difficult time and is in need of comfort and reassurance.
The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the transience of life:
"Much he, whose friendship I not long since won, That halting slave, who in Nicopolis Taught Arrian, when Vespasian's brutal son Cleared Rome of what most shamed him. But be his My special thanks, whose even-balanced soul, From first youth tested up to extreme old age, Business could not make dull, nor passion wild; Who saw life steadily, and saw it whole;-- The mellow glory of the Attic stage, Singer of sweet Colonus, and its child."
The speaker is reflecting on the friendship he recently won, and how it is just one of many fleeting relationships in life. He then goes on to describe another friend, whose even-balanced soul was tested throughout his life, but was never dulled by business or wild passions. This friend is described as someone who "saw life steadily, and saw it whole," and is compared to the "mellow glory of the Attic stage."
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's own despair:
"Who, foremost fighting, caught the public eye, If ever the sea's lord balanced his huge hands; Who drove the furies from the enchanter's land; What charm can soothe, what music heal, since he Philosophy will clip an Angel's wings, Conquer all mysteries by rule and line, Empty the haunted air, and gnomed mine-- Unweave a rainbow, as it erewhile made The tender-person'd Lamia melt into a shade."
The speaker reflects on the greatness of his friend, who was able to catch the public eye with his accomplishments. However, the speaker is still consumed by his own despair and cannot find solace in anything. He suggests that even philosophy cannot heal his pain, and compares it to the act of "clipping an Angel's wings." The use of the phrase "unweave a rainbow" is a reference to John Keats' poem "Lamia," in which Lamia, a serpent that can change into a woman, is destroyed when her true form is revealed. This suggests that the speaker's pain is so great that it has destroyed his ability to find beauty in the world.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of friendship:
"Him, at whose latest breath When his spirit wings her flight His, not on the lips, shall lie, But on the heart, as low as mine, Down to the dust! O'er which, from pine to pine, The winds shall chant a dirge, till all be done, Who ever loved, who loved not here below? What singer loved not, loves not here below?"
The speaker reflects on the power of friendship, and how it can transcend even death. He suggests that his friend's words, even at his last breath, will stay with him forever. He then asks a rhetorical question, "Who ever loved, who loved not here below?" to emphasize the importance of love and friendship in life.
##Conclusion
In conclusion, "To A Friend" is a beautiful and introspective poem that explores the themes of loss, despair, and the power of friendship. Arnold's use of language and imagery, as well as the structure of the poem, give it a musical quality that adds to its overall beauty. The poem is a testament to Arnold's skill as a poet and his ability to convey complex emotions through his words. As we reflect on our own lives and the importance of friendship, "To A Friend" remains a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and move us for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To A Friend: A Timeless Poem of Friendship and Love
Matthew Arnold, one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, wrote a beautiful poem titled "To A Friend" that captures the essence of true friendship and love. The poem is a heartfelt tribute to a dear friend who has been a constant source of support and comfort in the poet's life. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this timeless poem and explore the themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time that are central to its message.
The poem begins with the lines, "Who prop, thou ask'st in these bad days, my mind?" The speaker is addressing his friend, asking who has been his support and comfort during difficult times. The word "prop" suggests that the friend has been a pillar of strength for the speaker, holding him up and keeping him from falling. The phrase "these bad days" indicates that the speaker is going through a tough time, and his friend has been there to help him through it.
The next few lines of the poem describe the qualities of the friend that make him so special. The speaker says that his friend is "not gold, but only man," meaning that he is not perfect or flawless, but a human being with his own flaws and imperfections. However, the speaker goes on to say that his friend is "more than gold," because of his kindness, loyalty, and unwavering support. The friend is described as "true and warm," and the speaker says that he values his friendship more than anything else in the world.
The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. He says that "Time, so complain'd in songs of yours and mine, / Ah, friend, what brings it thee or me to chide?" Here, the speaker is acknowledging that he and his friend have both written about the passing of time in their poetry, but now he wonders why they bother to complain about it. Time is an unstoppable force that brings both joy and sorrow, and there is nothing we can do to stop it.
The speaker then goes on to describe the changes that time has brought to their lives. He says that they are no longer young and carefree, but have grown older and wiser. He says that they have both experienced loss and pain, but their friendship has remained constant through it all. The speaker says that he is grateful for the memories they have shared, and that he cherishes their friendship more than ever.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of friendship and love. The speaker says that even though they may be separated by distance or time, their friendship will endure. He says that their love for each other is stronger than anything else in the world, and that it will last forever. The poem ends with the lines, "And if, o friend, we meet no more, / Yet and for ever we shall be / Friends, if thou wilt remember me." These lines are a poignant reminder that true friendship and love can transcend time and distance, and that the bonds we form with others can last a lifetime.
In conclusion, "To A Friend" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the power of friendship and love. Matthew Arnold's words are a testament to the enduring nature of human relationships, and the importance of cherishing the people who are closest to us. The poem is a reminder that even in the midst of difficult times and the passage of time, our friendships can remain constant and true. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, let us remember the words of this timeless poem and hold our friends and loved ones close to our hearts.
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