The Scholar Gipsy : Quotations
The Scholar Gipsy 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 Scholar Gipsy.
Quotations
“Thou hadst one aim, one business, one desire;”
Explanation: The Scholar-Gipsy had only one dream—to find the secret. He was focused and never distracted.
“But fly our paths, our feverish contact fly!”
Explanation: The poet warns the Scholar-Gipsy to avoid modern people and their restless, unhealthy life.
“Go, for they call you, Shepherd, from the hill.”
Explanation: These are the first lines of the poem. The poet hears a call to the Scholar-Gipsy from nature. It suggests a magical or spiritual journey.
“Through the thick corn the scarlet poppies peep…”
Explanation: This line paints a beautiful image of nature. The red poppy flowers quietly bloom among the thick corn. It shows the gentle, unnoticed beauty of the countryside, which brings peace to the poet’s mind.
“Each strives, nor knows for what he strives.”
Explanation: The poet describes modern people. They are always rushing and working hard, but they don’t even know why. Their lives are full of confusion and have no clear goal.
“Waiting for the spark from heaven to fall.”
Explanation: The Scholar-Gipsy is patiently waiting for divine inspiration or secret knowledge. The “spark from heaven” means a moment of truth, insight, or enlightenment.