Q.3. Matthew Arnold was a great Victorian critic. Discuss it with reference to his essay ‘The Study of Poetry’? (850 – 1100 words)

Answer 1

Matthew Arnold was a Victorian critic and poet known for his influential essays and poetry, including his essay "The Study of Poetry." In this essay, Arnold argues that the study of poetry is important because it helps to cultivate the mind and enrich the soul. He believed that poetry has the ability to reveal "the best that has been thought and said" and to provide a source of beauty and inspiration in an increasingly industrialized and materialistic society.

Arnold believed that the study of poetry could provide a way for individuals to connect with their own emotions and inner selves and to gain a greater understanding of the world and the human condition. He argued that poetry could serve as a means of enlightenment and moral improvement and that it could help to foster a sense of community and shared values.

Arnold's essay "The Study of Poetry" remains an influential work in the field of literary criticism and continues to be widely read and discussed. It is considered a classic statement of the value of literature and the importance of the study of poetry in particular.

Best,

Erik L.