Poetical Works of Matthew Arnold

"Poetical Works of Matthew Arnold" by Matthew Arnold is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. This compilation features a variety of Arnold's works, including early poems, narrative pieces, elegiac verses, and dramatic poems. The topics explored in this collection encompass profound themes such as nature, love, philosophy, and the human condition. The opening portion of the collection introduces several poems, including "Quiet Work," which reflects on the relationship between tranquility and labor, and "To a Friend," expressing gratitude towards a mentor. Arnold also delves into homage with pieces like "Shakespeare" and critiques society's complexities in "Written in Emerson's Essays." These initial works set the tone for Arnold's significant exploration of emotional and existential themes throughout the collection, inviting readers into a contemplative experience that balances both introspection and engagement with the world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Matthew Arnold was an English poet and cultural critic. He was the son of Thomas Arnold, the headmaster of Rugby School, and brother to both Tom Arnold, literary professor, and William Delafield Arnold, novelist and colonial administrator. He has been characterised as a sage writer, a type of writer who chastises and instructs the reader on contemporary social issues. He was also an inspector of schools for thirty-five years, and supported the concept of state-regulated secondary education.