Topic Notes

•  “Poetry is the Criticism of Life, Governed by the Laws of Poetic Truth and Poetic Beauty” “Poetry is the criticism of life, governed by the laws of poetic truth and poetic beauty,” discuss it.  Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888), in his essay “The Study of Poetry” (1880), describes poetry as "the[Expand...]
• How does Arnold Evaluate Dryden, Pope, Gray, and Burns?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 –[Expand...]
• Discuss Arnold’s views on the characteristics of good poetryDiscuss 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[Expand...]
• What is Charlatanism?What is Charlatanism? (Making Fake or False Ideas as Important) In “The Study of Poetry” (1880), Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888) talks about a problem in literature called “Charlatanism.” Charlatanism means making something seem good[Expand...]
• How does Arnold Define 18th-Century Poetry?How does Arnold define 18th-century poetry or literature? Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888), in his essay “The Study of Poetry” (1880), talks about the poetry of the 18th century with both appreciation and criticism. This[Expand...]
• Why does Arnold call the 18th century an age of prose and reasonWhy does Arnold call the 18th century an age of prose and reason? In his essay “The Study of Poetry” (1880), Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888) describes the 18th century as an "age of prose[Expand...]
• What is the Touchtone method?What is the Touchtone method? In his essay “The Study of Poetry” (1880), Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)  introduces the "Touchstone Method." It is a way to judge the true quality of poetry.  He suggests using this[Expand...]