Matthew Arnold and His Touchstone Method

Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) was an English poet, critic, and cultural theorist who made significant contributions to literary criticism. He is considered one of the most important poets of the Victorian era.

Matthew Arnold’s key contributions:

1. Establishing Literary Criticism as a Discipline: Arnold helped establish literary criticism as a respected discipline, separate from philosophy and aesthetics.
2. Concept of “High Seriousness”: He introduced the concept of “high seriousness,” which emphasizes the importance of seriousness, sincerity, and depth in literature.
3. Focus on Literary Merit: Arnold argued that literary criticism should focus on the inherent merit of a work, rather than its popularity or moral message.
4. Importance of Context: He stressed the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context in which a literary work was written.
5. Critique of Victorian Culture: Arnold criticized the materialism and philistinism of Victorian culture, advocating for a more refined and cultured society.
6. Influence on Modern Criticism: Arnold’s ideas influenced modern literary critics like T.S. Eliot, F.R. Leavis, and Lionel Trilling.

Notable works of Matthew Arnold:

Poetry:

1. The Strayed Reveller and Other Poems (1849)
2. Empedocles on Etna and Other Poems (1852)
3. Poems: A New Edition (1853)
4. Poems: Second Series (1858)
5. New Poems (1867)
6. The Poetical Works of Matthew Arnold (1870)

Criticism and Essays:

1. Essays in Criticism: First Series (1865)
2. Essays in Criticism: Second Series (1888)
3. Culture and Anarchy: An Essay in Political and Social Criticism (1869)
4. Literature and Dogma: An Essay (1873)
5. God and the Bible: A Review of Objections to Literature and Dogma (1875)
6. Last Essays on Church and Religion (1877)
7. The Study of Poetry (1880)
8. Irish Essays, and Others (1882)
9. Discourses in America (1885)

Other Works:

1. The Popular Education of France, with Notices of That of Holland and Switzerland (1861) – a report on education systems
2. A French Eton, or Middle-Class Education and the State (1864) – a report on education systems
3. Reports on Elementary Schools 1852-1882 (1889) – a collection of reports on education

Arnold’s works showcase his broad range of interests, from poetry to criticism, education, and social commentary.

Matthew Arnold’s critical ideas:

1. The Importance of Literary Merit: Arnold believed that literary criticism should focus on the inherent merit of a work, rather than its popularity or moral message.
2. The Role of the Critic: He saw the critic’s role as helping readers understand and appreciate great literature.
3. The Concept of “High Seriousness”: Arnold argued that great literature should possess “high seriousness,” characterized by sincerity, depth, and a focus on the human condition.
4. The Need for Disinterestedness: He advocated for critics to approach works with disinterestedness, setting aside personal biases and prejudices.
5. The Importance of Context: Arnold recognized the significance of understanding the historical and cultural context in which a literary work was written.
6. The Critique of Victorian Culture: He criticized the materialism and philistinism of Victorian culture, advocating for a more refined and cultured society.
7. The Role of Education: Arnold believed that education should focus on cultivating taste, intellect, and moral character.
8. The Importance of the Classics: He emphasized the significance of studying classical literature for its timeless wisdom and aesthetic value.
9. The Relationship Between Literature and Society: Arnold saw literature as a reflection of society, but also believed that it had the power to shape and improve society.
10. The Need for a Broad and Liberal Education: He advocated for an education that would help individuals develop a broad range of interests, tastes, and intellectual pursuits.

These critical ideas continue to influence literary criticism and education to this day.

Matthew Arnold’s concepts:

1. High Seriousness: The quality of seriousness, sincerity, and depth in literature.
2. The Best That Has Been Thought and Said: Arnold’s phrase to describe the greatest works of literature, which he believed should be studied and emulated.
3. Disinterestedness: The ability to approach literature with an impartial and objective mindset.
4. The Grand Style: A style of writing characterized by simplicity, clarity, and grandeur.
5. The Function of Criticism: Arnold argued that criticism should help readers understand and appreciate great literature.
6. The Importance of the Classics: He emphasized the significance of studying classical literature for its timeless wisdom and aesthetic value.
7. Culture and Anarchy: Arnold’s concept of the tension between culture (refinement, intellect, and beauty) and anarchy (chaos, ignorance, and ugliness).
8. Sweetness and Light: His phrase to describe the qualities of beauty, elegance, and refinement in literature and culture.
9. The Barbarians, Philistines, and Populace: Arnold’s categories for the three main groups in society, each with distinct cultural and intellectual characteristics.
10. The Touchstone Method: A technique for evaluating literature by comparing it to recognized masterpieces.

These concepts continue to shape literary criticism, cultural theory, and educational thought.

Matthew Arnold’s thoughts on poetry:

1. Poetry as a Critic of Life: Arnold saw poetry as a powerful tool for critiquing and understanding life.
2. The Importance of Form: He believed that poetry should have a clear and beautiful form, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and language.
3. The Role of the Poet: Arnold saw the poet as a visionary, a seer who reveals the truth and beauty of life.
4. The Power of Imagery: He emphasized the importance of vivid and powerful imagery in poetry.
5. The Need for a Moral Purpose: Arnold believed that poetry should have a moral purpose, conveying a message or insight about life.
6. The Importance of Emotional Resonance: He believed that poetry should evoke strong emotions in the reader.
7. The Role of the Classics: Arnold saw classical poetry as a model for modern poetry, emphasizing the importance of studying and learning from the great poets of the past.
8. The Dangers of Sentimentality: He warned against sentimentality in poetry, advocating for a more nuanced and complex approach to emotions.
9. The Importance of Language: Arnold believed that language was the key to great poetry, advocating for simple, clear, and beautiful language.
10. The Relationship Between Poetry and Life: He saw poetry as a reflection of life, but also believed that poetry had the power to shape and transform life.

These thoughts on poetry continue to influence literary criticism and poetic practice to this day.

The Touchstone Method:

The Touchstone Method is a literary analysis technique developed by Matthew Arnold. It involves comparing a poem or literary work to a “touchstone” – a short, memorable passage from a great work of literature. The goal is to evaluate the work’s quality, beauty, and truth by juxtaposing it with a recognized masterpiece.

How to apply the Touchstone Method:

1. Choose a touchstone: Select a brief, iconic passage from a widely admired literary work (e.g., Shakespeare, Homer, or Dante).
2. Read the work to be evaluated: Carefully read the poem or literary work you want to analyze.
3. Compare with the touchstone: Place the two works side by side and compare their:
   • Language and style
   • Imagery and symbolism
   • Themes and ideas
   • Emotional resonance and impact
4. Evaluate the work: Based on the comparison, assess the work’s:
   • Literary merit
   • Beauty and elegance
   • Depth and insight
   • Originality and uniqueness
5. Draw conclusions: Determine whether the work measures up to the touchstone’s excellence and why or why not.

By using the Touchstone Method, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of literary excellence and learn to evaluate works based on their artistic and intellectual value.

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