What is the Touchtone method?

Answer

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 method to compare any poem with lines from the greatest poets like Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare. By doing this, we can better understand what makes poetry excellent/ classic or not. Below are key points about the Touchstone Method:

What is the Touchstone Method?: The Touchstone Method is a way to judge poems. Arnold says we should compare poems with famous lines from great poets. If a poem is as good as those lines, then it is a good poem. This means it is easier to feel the greatness of poetry through famous lines.

Using Great Examples as Touchstones: Arnold gives examples of lines from poets like Homer, Dante, and Shakespeare. These lines are like “touchstones” or tools to measure other poems. For example, Dante’s line 

In la sua volontade è nostra pace. (In His will is our peace) 

This shows deep meaning and truth. If other poems have the same feeling, they are also great.

Practical Method: The Touchstone Method is simple and practical. Instead of reading long explanations, this method lets us use a few famous lines as guides. Arnold says, 

Short passages, even single lines, will serve our turn quite sufficiently.

Remembering a few good lines helps us see if a new poem is also excellent.

In conclusion, Matthew Arnold’s Touchstone Method is a simple and easy way to find out if a poem is truly good. We can quickly know its value by comparing it with the best lines from famous poets. This method is clear and helpful for anyone who loves poetry.