How does Arnold Evaluate Dryden, Pope, Gray, and Burns?

Answer

Critically analyze Arnold’s assessment of the poetry written in the 17th and 18th centuries in England.

Or, how does Arnold evaluate Dryden, Pope, Gray, and Burns? Do you agree with him?

Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888), in his essay “The Study of Poetry”(1880), talks about poems written during the 17th and 18th centuries or the “Neo-classical Age” (1660-1785) in England. He believes that some poets from this time, like Dryden and Pope, are skilled, but their poetry doesn’t reach the greatness of the classics. Arnold thinks their poems lack deep meaning and seriousness. These are important for poetry to be truly great. 

The Influence of Prose and Reason: Arnold begins by highlighting that the 17th and 18th centuries were dominated by prose and reason. People of this age value logic, balance, and clear writing above all. This focus on reason shaped both prose and poetry. Arnold writes, 

“We are to regard Dryden as the puissant and glorious founder, Pope as the splendid high priest, of our age of prose and reason.” 

Arnold thinks their poetry is more like prose—good for logic but not for expressing deep feelings.

Lack of High Seriousness: One of Arnold’s strongest criticisms of 17th and 18th-century poetry is its lack of high seriousness. High seriousness means that the best poems talk about serious and deep topics in a way that makes us think and feel. He states, 

“The accent of high seriousness, born of absolute sincerity, is what gives to such verse its power.”

In his view, poets like Dryden and Pope fail to deliver profound messages about life. It reduces the lasting value of their poetry.

The Poetry of Dryden (1631-1700) and Pope (1688-1744): Arnold respects the technical skills of Dryden and Pope. But he demands that their poetry lacks the emotional depth and universal truths found in classic poets. He gives examples of Dryden’s shiny yet superficial lines: 

“A milk-white Hind, immortal and unchanged,”

While these lines