The Transitoriness of Man-Made Things and the Permanence of Nature in ‘Thyrsis’
Thyrsis is a notable literary work by Alfred Lord Tennyson. 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, to various questions of Thyrsis.
Answer
How does Arnold represent a contrast between the transitoriness of man-made things and the permanence of nature in ‘Thyrsis’?
Or, how does Arnold present the contrast between the man-made things and the objects of nature in ‘Thyrsis’?
“Thyrsis” (1866) is the most celebrated elegy where Matthew Arnold (1822-88) mourns his friend Arthur Hugh Clough. Through his journey in the Oxford countryside, Arnold vividly depicts how human works are temporary while nature’s spirit remains stable. This contrast highlights the poem’s deeper themes of memory, loss, and the quest for eternal truth.
Human Changes vs. Natural Stability: Arnold observes cycle of change in the landscape brought by human activity. He notes,
The village street its haunted mansion lacks,
And from the sign is gone Sibylla’s name,
He lamented the disappearance of familiar man-made landmarks. These alterations represent the transient nature of human achievements. In contrast, he asks,
Are ye too changed, ye hills?
It suggests that the natural elements, unlike human constructions, remain largely untouched and enduring.
The Elm-Tree as a Symbol of Permanence: Arnold and Thyrsis once admired The elm-tree. It symbolizes the lasting nature of the natural world. Despite the passage of time and the many changes around it, the tree still stands:
Bare on its lonely ridge, the Tree! the Tree!
This enduring presence contrasts sharply with the temporary human elements that have vanished or altered, symbolizing hope and continuity in nature.
Nature’s Unchanging Beauty: Arnold admires the timeless beauty of the natural world:
Lovely all times she lies, lovely to-night!
This line highlights that nature’s beauty does not depend on human influence or seasons. The countryside, with its “dreaming spires” and unchanged paths, offers a sense of permanence and stability. This contrasts with the impermanence of human life and its creations.
Through these contrasts, Arnold describes how human endeavours are fleeting while nature offers a steady, enduring presence. This theme not only reflects his personal grief but also his philosophical reflection on the search for lasting truth in an impermanent world.