Matthew Arnold was a prominent Victorian poet and critic, known for his works that address themes of alienation, the role of religion, and societal divisions. His influential essays, such as 'Culture and Anarchy' and 'Literature and Dogma,' challenge the era's views on culture and faith. Arnold's poetry, including 'Dover Beach,' reflects his Classical inspirations and the tensions of his time.
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Matthew Arnold's father, Thomas Arnold, was an influential educator and headmaster of Rugby School
Scholarship and Graduation from Oxford
Arnold attended Balliol College, Oxford on a scholarship and graduated in 1844
Influence of Rugby School
Arnold's time at Rugby School greatly impacted his intellectual development
After a brief period of indulgence in high society, Arnold chose a career as a school inspector, which influenced his later writings
Arnold's early volumes of poetry, including the prize-winning "Alaric at Rome," received little attention until his 1853 collection
As the Professor of Poetry at Oxford, Arnold was notable for lecturing in English and was deeply influenced by his appreciation for Classical civilizations
Arnold eventually transitioned from poetry to cultural and social criticism, advocating for a balance between the wisdom of the past and the necessities of contemporary life
In "Culture and Anarchy," Arnold expands the concept of culture to encompass the pursuit of perfection through knowledge and the moral and social development of individuals
Arnold was concerned with the social upheaval caused by industrialization and class conflict
Arnold proposed the cultivation of an enlightened class that prioritized the common good over self-interest to mitigate tensions between social classes
In "Literature and Dogma," Arnold grappled with the relationship between religion and the era's scientific progress
Arnold maintained that religion retained its importance as a moral compass and source of consolation
Arnold advocated for a discerning interpretation of religious texts, focusing on the underlying moral teachings rather than a literal acceptance of all its content
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______ Arnold, a notable English poet and critic, lived during the ______ era.
Matthew
Victorian
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Arnold's father, ______, was a prominent educator and the head of ______ School.
Thomas Arnold
Rugby
02
Arnold's initial poetry reception
First volumes in 1849 and 1852 largely ignored; 1853 collection gained acclaim.
