Poetry is the criticism of life
Question: Discuss poetry is the criticism of life.
Or, evaluate Arnold’s theory or definition of poetry.
Introduction
One of the most prestigious forms of writing is poetry. It is an art that is embedded in the soul and spirit of the people. The ‘first modern critic’ Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) shows a high conception of poetry in his literary criticism “The Study of Poetry” which is his attempt to establish the standard of what poetry should be. He asserts that the best poetry is the “criticism of life by the laws of poetic truth and poetic beauty”.
Arnold’s concept of poetry
According to Matthew Arnold, “poetry is simply the most delightful and perfect form of utterance that human words can reach; it is a criticism of life under the conditions fixed for such a criticism by the laws of poetic truth and poetic beauty”.
The “Criticism of Life”
The phrase “Criticism of life” means proper interpretation of life. Poetry accurately explains life. Here we discover and analyze how poetry is the criticism of life.
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Integrity between poetry and human life
Arnold defines poetry as a critique of life. To put it differently, poetry must concern itself with life and the problems of life. The idea, the subject matter, and the theme of poetry should be relevant to people’s lives. It should not be remote in a way that does not directly connect to our lives. The phrase “criticism of life” is further explained by Arnold as a “noble and profound application of ideas.” The greatness of a poet lies in his powerful and beautiful application of ideas to life. Here we can cite from Shakespeare:
“We are such stuff
As dreams are made of and our little life
Is round with sleep”
Source of ingredients of life
By the phrase “Criticism of Life” Arnold means to say that the readers can identify their faults and mistakes for the purpose of rectification by going through poems. They must apply the powerful ideas which they pick up through reading poetry. The poetry of Homer, Shakespeare, Milton, and Dante is filled with noble and profound ideas. Matthew Arnold’s own poems such as “Dover Beach, The Scholar Gipsy, Thyrsis, To Marguerite, Resignation and A Southern Night” are packed with the “Criticism of Life” to a great extent. In a nutshell, poetry is the catalyst for the readers. Again, we can quote from Shakespeare:
“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player,
…………. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.”
This profound idea makes us aware of not adopting illegal way to achieve our ambition because unfair means creates havoc.
The ways of the leading life
Arnold claims that poetry teaches us how to lead life since it is filled with moral ideas. By emphasizing the moral system, Arnold does not mean the composing of moral or didactic poems. Rather, according to Arnold, it is the question of how to live and whatever comes under it, that is moral. Arnold quotes Milton:
“Nor love thy life nor hate; but what thou liv’st
Live well; how long or short, permit to heaven”
In these lines, the moral idea is easily perceived. It teaches us to lead a life with full force whatever situation prevails in our life must be made the best of times not the worst of times.
Shelter and consolation in crisis
According to Arnold, poetry has high destinations as a criticism of life. His claim is that poetry is superior to philosophy, science, and religion. Philosophy depends on reason which is a false display of knowledge. Science is soulless and artificial. It is incomplete without poetry. Religion combines its emotions with ideas that are indescribable or infallible. It provides a great representation of life and concepts without trying to falsify the truths. Therefore, Arnold is of the view that poetry can be our sustenance. The best poetry has the power to create, sustain, and delight us that nothing else can. Over time, mankind will discover that they have to go back to poetry to interpret their lives and to comfort and sustain themselves because science, religion, and philosophy will eventually prove to be fragile and unstable.
Conclusion
To sum up, we can say that poetry is the criticism of life. It is the responsibility of the reviewer to examine both poetry and life at the same time. Arnold performs his duty as a father of modern criticism, although his theory of poetry has extended the hornet’s nest or numerous reactions.
