Matthew Arnold

Poetry

• Dover Beach

Biography

Matthew Arnold was a 19th-century English poet, critic, and cultural commentator who had a significant impact on the literary landscape of his time. Born in 1822, Arnold came from a distinguished family of educators and scholars, and his father was the famous headmaster of Rugby School.

Arnold's poetry was marked by a sense of disillusionment and a desire for social and cultural reform. He was deeply concerned about the decline of traditional values and the rise of materialism and commercialism in Victorian society. His most famous poem, "Dover Beach," reflects these concerns and expresses a sense of despair at the loss of faith and meaning in the modern world.

In addition to his poetry, Arnold was also a highly influential literary critic. He believed that literature should be used as a tool for social and moral education, and he was a strong advocate for the study of culture and the humanities. His essays and lectures on literature and culture were widely read and respected, and he played a key role in shaping the cultural and intellectual debates of his time.

Despite his reputation as a serious and sometimes austere writer, Arnold was also known for his wit and humor. He was a popular speaker and lecturer, and he often used humor and satire to make his points.

Matthew Arnold died in 1888, but his legacy as a poet and cultural commentator continues to be felt today. His poetry and prose continue to be studied and appreciated for their insight into the social, cultural, and intellectual issues of Victorian England, and his influence can be seen in the work of many later writers and critics.