'Morality' by Matthew Arnold
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We cannot kindle when we will
The fire which in the heart resides;
The spirit bloweth and is still,
In mystery our soul abides.
But tasks in hours of insight will'd
Can be through hours of gloom fulfill'd.
With aching hands and bleeding feet
We dig and heap, lay stone on stone;
We bear the burden and the heat
Of the long day, and wish 'twere done.
Not till the hours of light return,
All we have built do we discern.
Then, when the clouds are off the soul,
When thou dost bask in Nature's eye,
Ask, how she view'd thy self-control,
Thy struggling, task'd morality--
Nature, whose free, light, cheerful air,
Oft made thee, in thy gloom, despair.
And she, whose censure thou dost dread,
Whose eye thou wast afraid to seek,
See, on her face a glow is spread,
A strong emotion on her cheek!
"Ah, child!" she cries, "that strife divine,
Whence was it, for it is not mine?
"There is no effort on my brow--
I do not strive, I do not weep;
I rush with the swift spheres and glow
In joy, and when I will, I sleep.
Yet that severe, that earnest air,
I saw, I felt it once--but where?
"I knew not yet the gauge of time,
Nor wore the manacles of space;
I felt it in some other clime,
I saw it in some other place.
'Twas when the heavenly house I trod,
And lay upon the breast of God."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry and Morality: A Critical Analysis
Matthew Arnold’s “Poetry and Morality” is a complex and thought-provoking piece of writing that explores the relationship between poetry and morality. Published in 1853, it is a landmark work in the history of literary criticism and has had a profound impact on subsequent generations of writers and critics. In this essay, we will undertake a detailed analysis and interpretation of Arnold’s work, examining its central themes and ideas, and exploring its relevance to our own time.
Setting the Scene
Before we begin our analysis, it is important to provide some context for Arnold’s writing. The mid-nineteenth century was a time of great social and political upheaval in England, with the Industrial Revolution transforming the country and the old social order beginning to crumble. In this context, writers and thinkers were grappling with questions about the nature of society, the role of the individual, and the meaning and purpose of life.
Arnold was one of the most influential of these thinkers, and his work reflects the concerns and preoccupations of his time. A poet and critic, he was deeply interested in the relationship between art and society, and in the ways in which literature could contribute to the moral and spiritual health of the nation. His writing is characterized by a sincere desire to engage with the great questions of his age, and by a deep commitment to the values of reason, culture, and humanism.
Exploring the Themes
With this context in mind, let us turn our attention to Arnold’s essay and its central themes. At its heart, “Poetry and Morality” is concerned with the relationship between beauty and goodness, and with the role that poetry can play in fostering moral and spiritual values.
Arnold argues that poetry has a unique capacity to express the highest ideals of humanity, and to inspire us to live up to those ideals. He writes that “the object of poetry is to assist in the moral and spiritual growth of man—to help him to become more fully human.” This is a bold claim, and one that has been the subject of much debate among critics and scholars.
At the same time, Arnold is careful to acknowledge the limitations of poetry. He recognizes that poetry cannot provide us with a comprehensive moral code, nor can it offer us a complete vision of the world. Instead, he sees poetry as a complement to other forms of knowledge and understanding, and as a way of enriching our experience of life.
One of the most striking aspects of Arnold’s argument is his insistence on the importance of culture in shaping our moral and spiritual values. He believes that a healthy society must be founded on a deep appreciation of beauty and art, and that it is the responsibility of artists and writers to help cultivate this appreciation. In his view, culture is not a luxury, but a necessity—a vital component of human flourishing.
Taking a Closer Look
Let us now take a closer look at some of the key ideas and arguments in “Poetry and Morality”. One of the most important of these is Arnold’s belief in the power of poetry to inspire us to live better lives. He writes that “poetry is the criticism of life”, and that it helps us to see the world in a new and deeper way. By presenting us with images and ideas that transcend our everyday experience, poetry opens up new possibilities for thought and action, and encourages us to strive for a higher standard of moral and spiritual excellence.
Arnold also emphasizes the importance of imagination in the moral life. He argues that imagination is not simply a frivolous or escapist activity, but a vital component of our capacity for empathy and understanding. Through imaginative engagement with the experiences of others, we are able to expand our moral horizons and to develop a more nuanced and compassionate view of the world.
Another key theme in Arnold’s essay is the relationship between poetry and culture. He believes that culture is essential to the health of society, and that poetry has a crucial role to play in cultivating an appreciation for the finer things in life. He writes: “Culture seeks to do away with classes; to make the best that has been thought and known in the world current everywhere; to make all men live in an atmosphere of sweetness and light”. For Arnold, culture is not an elitist pursuit, but a democratic ideal—a way of bringing people together and fostering a shared sense of purpose and meaning.
Looking Forward
As we have seen, “Poetry and Morality” is a rich and complex work that raises a host of important questions about the nature of art, morality, and society. Its arguments and insights continue to resonate with us today, and its vision of a society founded on culture and humanism remains as relevant as ever.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the challenges we face—climate change, inequality, political instability—are no less daunting than those of Arnold’s time. But perhaps by engaging with the ideas and values that underpin works like “Poetry and Morality”, we can find new ways of addressing these challenges and building a more just and compassionate world. As Arnold himself wrote, “the future of poetry is immense, because in poetry… men will find a means of expressing what is in them best and most necessary to society.”
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Matthew Arnold's "Poetry Morality" is a classic piece of literature that explores the relationship between poetry and morality. This essay is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art and ethics. In this article, we will provide a detailed analysis and explanation of Arnold's work.
Arnold begins his essay by stating that poetry has a unique ability to convey moral truths. He argues that poetry can communicate these truths in a way that is more powerful and effective than any other form of communication. Arnold believes that poetry can help us understand the world around us and our place in it. He writes, "Poetry is the criticism of life."
Arnold goes on to explain that poetry can help us understand the complexities of human nature. He argues that poetry can help us see the world from different perspectives and empathize with others. Arnold writes, "The function of poetry is to enable us to see ourselves and the world around us more clearly."
Arnold also believes that poetry can help us develop our moral character. He argues that poetry can inspire us to be better people and to live more meaningful lives. Arnold writes, "Poetry is a powerful force for good in the world."
Arnold's essay is not without its critics, however. Some argue that poetry is not necessarily moral or ethical. They argue that poetry can be used to promote immoral or unethical ideas. Others argue that poetry is not a reliable source of moral guidance. They argue that poetry is too subjective and open to interpretation to be a reliable guide for ethical behavior.
Despite these criticisms, Arnold's essay remains a classic work of literature. It continues to inspire and challenge readers to think deeply about the relationship between poetry and morality. Arnold's essay is a testament to the power of literature to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.
In conclusion, Matthew Arnold's "Poetry Morality" is a classic work of literature that explores the relationship between poetry and morality. Arnold argues that poetry has a unique ability to convey moral truths and to help us understand the complexities of human nature. He believes that poetry can inspire us to be better people and to live more meaningful lives. While there are critics of Arnold's essay, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to inspire readers today.
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