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The Study of Poetry by Matthew Arnold
The Study of Poetry by Matthew Arnold
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Reading Poetry
3. Inspiration and Imitation
Introduction
Contrary to the Platonic prediction, Arnold believes that poetry has significant use in the process of
knowledge creation and progression of human beings. As an artistic endeavor, Poetry provides reflection
and commentary on the finer aspects of survival and struggles.
It is elemental to the investigations in Theology and Science. Arnold claims that the need for poetry and its
faculties will help human beings harness purpose and tranquillity in the times and generations to come.
Arnold believes that the central thought of the poem matters more than any other concept in the poem so
much so that it becomes the central fact of the poem. This idea is what links to the emotions of the reader
and provides a vent to them.
Reading Poetry
He goes on to highlight different mechanisms by which people analysis and censor various works of
poetry and poets. He enumerates three distinct methods of the same, naming those estimates:
1. Real estimate: This refers to unbiased and unprejudiced evaluation with a fine balance
between historical context and innovation and flair of the individual poet.
2. Historical estimate: Here the historical background dominates the value judgment with innovation
and creativity has given less importance than the historical context of the poem.
3. Personalestimate: This is rife with personal and cognitive biases of the individual reader and
dependent on their preferences and tastes.
Even though historic and personal estimates are less reliable and arbitrary, they are more commonly
seen than the real estimate. Arnold calls this a natural consequence of human choice.
Often the context of the text dominates the reader’s perception and makes them overlook its manifest
flaws. Historical significance can hide these shortcomings in plain sight as it tends to exalt the poem to an
elevated status like classics or iconic.
An iconic poem acts as the barometer for other poems. It is held at the standard against which other works
are compared. This comparison helps in arriving at the true value of a poem.
Arnold exhorts people to devour such classic works of poetry to educate their sense of judgment and
censure but still remain aware of their own flaws and errors.
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The Study of Poetry by Matthew Arnold