Treatment of Nature in the Poems of Matthew Arnold.
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.
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Comment on the treatment of nature in the poems of Matthew Arnold.
Nature is a recurrent theme in the Victorian poets’ literary work. Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) was a British Victorian poet and cultural critic. His works frequently explore the relationship between nature and human experience. In his poems, Arnold uses nature as an essential element to shape the themes and emotions of his poems.
Nature Symbolizing Change: In “Thyrsis,” Arnold presents nature as both a constant and a changing force. The poem mourns the loss of Arnold’s friend, Arthur Hugh Clough. This also contrasts the unchanging landscape with the changes in human life. Here, the poet describes the shepherd’s field, followingly:
That sweet city with her dreaming spires,
This line symbolizes a timeless beauty that remains even as individual lives end. This constancy of nature illustrates how nature remains while human circumstances evolve.
A Reflection of Emotions: Arnold’s poem “Dover Beach” opens with a serene depiction of the natural world:
The sea is calm tonight,
The tide is full, the moon lies fair.
However, this tranquility is soon contrasted with the poet’s inner turmoil. The “eternal note of sadness” heard in the waves mirrors Arnold’s despair over the loss of faith and certainty in the modern world.
Escaping Modern World: In “The Scholar Gypsy,” Arnold uses nature as a symbol of escape from the industrialized, modern world. The poem tells the story of an Oxford scholar who leaves his studies to live among Gypsies. The poet illustrates the countryside as
The warm green-muffled Cumner hills,
These words represent a refuge from the pressures and distractions of contemporary society. This idealized natural world offers a place where one can find peace and a deeper understanding of life.
A Source of Inspiration and Reflection: Arnold often portrays nature as a source of inspiration and reflection. In “Thyrsis,” the poet finds solace in the memory of his friend through the familiar landscape. TheUnlock this study guide now