Discuss Arnold’s views on the characteristics of good poetry
The Study of Poetry is a notable literary work by Matthew Arnold. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Study of Poetry.
Answer
Discuss Arnold’s views on the characteristics of good poetry.
Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888), in his essay “The Study of Poetry” (1880), discusses what makes poetry truly great. He believes poetry is very important in our lives because it can guide us, comfort us, and help us understand life better. According to Arnold, only poetry that is truly excellent can do this, not religion. He shares simple points about the qualities that make good poetry.
Criticism of Life: Arnold thinks good poetry should teach us something about life. He calls this a “criticism of life.” Poetry should not just be about pretty words but should show us truths about human experiences. He praises “Dante’s Divine Comedy” because it discusses life’s big questions with truth and beauty. Arnold praises poets like Homer and Shakespeare for their deep understanding of life, stating,
“In poetry, criticism of life under the conditions fixed for such a criticism by the laws of poetic truth and poetic beauty, the spirit of our race will find its consolation and stay.”
High Seriousness: Arnold argues that the best poetry is marked by “high seriousness,” which he traces back to Aristotle. High seriousness refers to the treatment of important themes with seriousness and deepness. According to Arnold, poets like Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare possess this quality in abundance. He writes,
“The substance of Chaucer’s poetry, his view of things and his criticism of life…has not this high seriousness.”
For Arnold, without high seriousness, poetry cannot achieve the greatness that makes it timeless.
Poetic Truth and Poetic Beauty: Matthew Arnold says that great poetry needs both “Poetic Truth” and “Poetic Beauty.” Poetic truth means showing life honestly and with deep meaning. Poetic beauty is how the poem sounds and looks—its style and language. Arnold says,
“The best poetry is what we want; the best poetry will be found to have a power of forming, sustaining, and delighting us as nothing else can.”