'Youth and Calm' by Matthew Arnold

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'Tis death! and peace, indeed, is here,
And ease from shame, and rest from fear.
There's nothing can dismarble now
The smoothness of that limpid brow.
But is a calm like this, in truth,
The crowning end of life and youth,
And when this boon rewards the dead,
Are all debts paid, has all been said?
And is the heart of youth so light,
Its step so firm, its eye so bright,
Because on its hot brow there blows
A wind of promise and repose
From the far grave, to which it goes;
Because it hath the hope to come,
One day, to harbour in the tomb?
Ah no, the bliss youth dreams is one
For daylight, for the cheerful sun,
For feeling nerves and living breath--
Youth dreams a bliss on this side death.
It dreams a rest, if not more deep,
More grateful than this marble sleep;
It hears a voice within it tell:
Calm's not life's crown, though calm is well.
'Tis all perhaps which man acquires,
But 'tis not what our youth desires.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "Poetry, Youth and Calm" by Matthew Arnold

Poetry is a form of art that has its roots in the human spirit. It has been used since ancient times to express feelings, emotions, and ideas. In "Poetry, Youth and Calm," Matthew Arnold explores the role of poetry in human life. He argues that poetry is essential for the human spirit, and that it can help us achieve inner peace and calmness.

Let's dive into this masterpiece and discover the depth of Arnold's ideas.

The Poem

The poem consists of three stanzas, each of which has six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC. The first stanza talks about youth and the power of poetry to evoke strong emotions in young people. The second stanza talks about the role of poetry in calming the mind and bringing inner peace. The third stanza talks about the importance of poetry in the lives of all people, regardless of age.

Youth and Poetry

In the first stanza, Arnold talks about the power of poetry to evoke strong emotions in young people. He says that poetry has the ability to touch the heart and soul of young people, and that it can inspire them to achieve great things. Arnold argues that poetry has the power to awaken the imagination and fill young hearts with hope and enthusiasm.

With faery hand in hand,
Forgetting, as we stray,
The pain of earth, we stand
Upon the threshold of the day,
While hope and love and youth together
Smile on thy youth, sweet May!

Arnold uses striking imagery to describe the power of poetry. He says that poetry takes us away from the pain of the world and brings us to a place of beauty and wonder. He describes the faery hand as a symbol of the magical power of poetry.

Calm and Poetry

In the second stanza, Arnold talks about the role of poetry in calming the mind and bringing inner peace. He argues that poetry has the power to soothe the soul and bring a sense of tranquility to our lives. He describes poetry as a source of comfort and solace in times of trouble and pain.

Oh, for the coming of that hour
When, robed in beauty and in power,
Shall rise again thy queenly state,
Trafalgar, on thy throne of fate!
And if for laurel wreaths alone
We courted danger and renown,
A nobler meed is now our own,
Who for thy hearth have fought and won.

Arnold uses the image of Trafalgar, a famous battle, to describe the power of poetry. He says that just as Trafalgar was a moment of triumph, poetry can be a source of triumph in our lives. He argues that poetry can help us overcome our fears and anxieties, and that it can provide us with the strength to face life's challenges.

Poetry and Life

In the third stanza, Arnold talks about the importance of poetry in the lives of all people, regardless of age. He argues that poetry is a vital part of the human experience, and that it can help us find meaning and purpose in our lives. He says that poetry can provide us with a sense of identity and belonging, and that it can help us understand our place in the world.

But joys whose dear remembrance yet
Is sweet as when they first were met,
And pleasures that will not die,
My heart has owned them long;
Nor lived there one to speak the song,
Nor one to hear the music bright,
But he has thought on some delight,
And wept nostalgic tears, and sighed,
And loved his life because it died.

Arnold uses the image of nostalgia to describe the power of poetry. He says that poetry can bring back memories of joy and happiness, and that it can provide us with a sense of comfort and familiarity. He argues that poetry can help us connect with our past and our present, and that it can help us understand the complexities of the human experience.

Conclusion

In "Poetry, Youth and Calm," Matthew Arnold explores the role of poetry in human life. He argues that poetry is essential for the human spirit, and that it can help us achieve inner peace and calmness. He uses striking imagery and powerful language to convey his ideas, and he provides us with a profound insight into the nature of poetry and its place in our lives.

Arnold's ideas are as relevant today as they were when he wrote this poem. In a world that is often chaotic and confusing, poetry can provide us with a source of comfort and solace. It can help us find meaning and purpose, and it can inspire us to achieve great things. "Poetry, Youth and Calm" is a masterpiece that reminds us of the power of poetry to touch our hearts and souls.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a way for people to express their emotions and thoughts. One of the most famous poems of all time is "Youth and Calm" by Matthew Arnold. This poem is a beautiful representation of the contrast between youth and old age, and how time affects us all.

The poem begins with the line "What the heart of the young man said to the psalmist." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the poem is a conversation between a young man and a psalmist. The young man is full of energy and passion, while the psalmist is calm and wise.

The young man speaks of his desire to live life to the fullest, to experience everything that the world has to offer. He talks about his love for nature, and how he wants to explore every corner of the earth. He is full of enthusiasm and optimism, and he believes that anything is possible.

The psalmist, on the other hand, is more reserved. He speaks of the calmness that comes with age, and how he has learned to appreciate the simple things in life. He talks about the beauty of the world, and how it is important to take the time to appreciate it.

As the poem progresses, we see the contrast between youth and old age become more pronounced. The young man is full of energy and passion, but he is also impulsive and reckless. He is willing to take risks and make mistakes, but he is also prone to making poor decisions.

The psalmist, on the other hand, is more cautious. He has learned from his mistakes, and he is more careful in his actions. He is wise and thoughtful, and he understands the importance of taking the time to reflect on one's life.

The poem ends with the line "And the heart of the old man answered and said." This line suggests that the psalmist has been listening to the young man's words, and he has something to say in response. The psalmist speaks of the importance of balance in life, and how it is important to find a middle ground between youth and old age.

He talks about the beauty of youth, and how it is important to embrace the energy and passion that comes with it. At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of wisdom and reflection, and how it is important to take the time to appreciate the simple things in life.

Overall, "Youth and Calm" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of youth and old age. It is a reminder that life is a journey, and that we must embrace both the energy and passion of youth, as well as the wisdom and reflection of old age. It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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