Topic Notes

• The Transitoriness of Man-Made Things and the Permanence of Nature in 'Thyrsis'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[Expand...]
• “Thyrsis” as an Elegy.What is elegy? Discuss “Thyrsis” as an elegy.  An elegy is a sad poem that mourns someone’s death. It is written to express grief or sorrow. It is usually written in serious and thoughtful language.[Expand...]
• Discuss the note of pessimism as reflected in Arnold's “Thyrsis”Discuss the note of pessimism as reflected in Arnold's “Thyrsis”.  Matthew Arnold’s (1822-1888) poem “Thyrsis” (1865) is a sad and thoughtful elegy. He writes it to mourn the death of his friend Arthur Hugh Clough,[Expand...]
• Comment on the ending of the poem “Thyrsis”. Comment on the ending of the poem “Thyrsis”.  The ending of Matthew Arnold’s (1822-1888) “Thyrsis” (1865) is both sad and hopeful. Throughout the poem, the poet feels deep grief because of the death of his[Expand...]