Matthew Arnold (1822–1888) was an English poet, cultural critic, and school inspector. He is best known for his poetry, including works like Dover Beach and The Scholar-Gipsy, as well as his critical essays on literature and society.
Key Aspects of His Work:
- Poetry: His poetry often reflects a melancholic tone, dealing with themes of isolation, loss of faith, and the search for meaning in a changing world.
- Criticism: He was a significant literary critic, advocating for “high culture” and the importance of education in shaping society. His famous book Culture and Anarchy (1869) discusses the role of culture in counteracting social disorder.
- Influence: Arnold’s ideas on criticism, culture, and education influenced later thinkers, and he is sometimes considered a bridge between Romanticism and Modernism.
