_TOPIC : A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF_

_THE STUDY OF_

_POETRY_
BY MATTHEW ARNOLD_

Introduction
Matthew Arnold, a prominent Victorian poet and
critic, published "The Study of Poetry" in 1880
as an introduction to his anthology "The English
Poets." In this essay, Arnold explores the
significance of poetry, its role in society, the
criteria for evaluating its quality, the various
ways people analyze and judge poetry, and an
analysis of English classics. The essay reflects
Arnold's belief in the moral and cultural
importance of poetry, positioning it as a vital
force for human development.
 The Importance of Poetry
Arnold begins by asserting that poetry is not just
a form of entertainment or mere aesthetic
pleasure; it is a "criticism of life" that holds the
power to shape human experience. He argues
that in an era where religious faith and
traditional beliefs are in decline, poetry can
offer the spiritual and moral guidance that
society needs. For Arnold, poetry is the "most
highly esteemed and most precious form of
human expression," capable of providing solace,
insight, and wisdom.

Poetry as a Source of Truth

and Morality
Arnold emphasizes that poetry should be a
source of truth and morality. He believes that
great poetry transcends time and place, speaking
 to universal human experiences and emotions.
Arnold argues that the best poetry combines a
high seriousness with a grand style, meaning
that it addresses profound themes with dignity
and grace. This combination, according to
Arnold, is what gives poetry its enduring value.
He suggests that poetry has a unique ability to
convey complex ideas and emotions in a way
that is more impactful than prose. This is
because poetry's use of rhythm, meter, and
language allows it to resonate on a deeper, more
emotional level. For Arnold, the true test of
poetry's worth lies in its capacity to uplift and
ennoble the human spirit.

The Criteria for Evaluating

Poetry
Arnold introduces the idea of "touchstones" –
brief passages of poetry from the greatest poets
 that can serve as benchmarks for judging the
quality of other works. He believes that by
comparing new poetry to these exemplary
passages, readers can assess whether it
possesses the same level of artistic excellence
and emotional impact. Arnold identifies Homer,
Dante, Shakespeare, and Milton as poets whose
works exemplify the highest standards of poetry.
He also stresses the importance of
disinterestedness in literary criticism, meaning
that critics should approach works with an open
mind, free from personal biases or preconceived
notions. Arnold argues that critics must seek to
understand the poet's intentions and evaluate the
work based on its own merits rather than
imposing their own preferences.

Different Methods of
Analyzing and Judging Poetry
 Arnold discusses the various ways people
analyze and judge poetry, outlining three
distinct methods:

Real Estimate
This method involves evaluating poetry fairly
and without bias. It strikes a good balance
between considering the historical background
of the poem and recognizing the creativity and
unique style of the poet. This method aims for
an objective assessment that values both
tradition and innovation.

Historical Estimate
This approach focuses mainly on the historical
context of the poem. It emphasizes the poem’s
significance in its historical period, often at the
expense of acknowledging the poet’s innovation
and creativity. Arnold warns that over-reliance
on this method can lead to an exaggerated
appreciation of older works simply because they
are old.

Personal Estimate
This method is heavily influenced by the
reader’s personal preferences and biases. It
depends on the individual reader's tastes and
feelings towards the poem, which can lead to
subjective judgments that may not be fair or
accurate assessments of the poem's true quality.

Analysis of English Classics

Arnold also provides an analysis of English
poets, comparing them to the standards of
classical poetry. He notes the influence of
French poets, particularly from Northern
 France, on English poetry. He observes that
while these French poets influenced English
poets, their works were often more focused on
romance rather than serious themes of human
life. Arnold praises Geoffrey Chaucer for his
clear and flowing style, which he describes as
"liquid diction." He believes Chaucer excelled
in both content and style and rates him highly
based on the "real estimate." However, Arnold
feels that Chaucer does not reach the level of a
classical poet because he lacks the seriousness
found in the works of Dante, Milton, and
Shakespeare, whom Arnold considers true
classical poets. Regarding other English poets,
Arnold considers Alexander Pope and John
Dryden as examples of classical prose writers of
the Restoration period. He acknowledges
Thomas Gray as a classic poet but thinks that
Robert Burns, like Chaucer, falls short of being
a true classic because they lack seriousness in
 their themes, even though their works are
truthful and skillful. When discussing his
contemporaries such as Byron, Shelley, and
Wordsworth, Arnold suggests that people's
judgments of these poets are often influenced by
personal tastes and biases. Because of this, he
refrains from making a definitive judgment on
their works.

The Continuity of the Classics

Arnold argues that classic works of poetry have

lasted through the ages because they have a
natural ability to endure. He believes this is
because human experiences, like suffering,
emotions, and nature, don't change much over
time. The themes in classic poetry are timeless
and continue to connect with readers, no matter
when they are read. As long as these poems stir
up strong feelings and make people think, they
will continue to live on in readers' hearts and
minds.

The Evolution of Poetry

Arnold discusses the evolution of poetry and the
influence of historical and cultural contexts on
its development. He argues that poetry, like any
art form, is shaped by the times in which it is
created. However, he also believes that the
greatest poetry transcends its historical context,
speaking to universal human truths that remain
relevant across generations. Arnold laments the
decline of poetry in the modern era, attributing
it to the rise of materialism and the lack of
serious engagement with profound themes. He
calls for a return to the classical values of truth,
beauty, and morality in poetry, urging poets to
aspire to the greatness of their predecessors.
 Conclusion
In "The Study of Poetry," Matthew Arnold
makes a compelling case for the importance of
poetry in human life. He argues that poetry
should be a source of truth and moral guidance,
capable of uplifting and ennobling the human
spirit. Arnold's emphasis on the need for high
standards in poetry and his call for a return to
classical values reflect his belief in the enduring
power of great literature. Arnold also
emphasizes the importance of how poetry is
judged, advocating for a balanced and fair
approach that recognizes both the historical
context and the intrinsic qualities of the work.
He analyzes the impact of various poets on
English literature, recognizing the contributions
of many while also pointing out the limitations
of some. Arnold challenges readers to appreciate
the depth and beauty of poetry, encouraging
them to seek out works that speak to the highest
ideals of human experience.

Thank You.