Matthew Arnold's Sohrab and Rustum and Other Poems

Matthew Arnold

Sep 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In 'Matthew Arnold's Sohrab and Rustum and Other Poems,' readers encounter a collection that serves as a testament to Arnold's astute command of verse and his contemplative engagement with the human condition. The eponymous narrative poem, 'Sohrab and Rustum,' is an elegiac epic drawn from the Persian epic 'Shahnameh,' imbuing it with a melancholic Victorian sensibility and the poet's characteristic introspection. Arnold's poetic craft is evinced through his adept use of blank verse, capturing the somber cadences of heroic strife and paternal grief. Together with the other collected poems, the book presents a mosaic of themes ranging from existential reflection to social critique, all woven with the intricate stylistic threads for which Arnold is renowned. This volume is both acutely representative of the mid-Victorian literary context and remarkably prescient of modernist concerns. Matthew Arnold, a prominent figure of the Victorian era, was as much known for his literary contributions as for his penetrating literary and social criticism. He was an eloquent proponent of culture as a means to address the ills of society and seek personal transcendence amidst the chaos of the industrial age. His poetry, influenced by his roles as an inspector of schools and a noted intellectual, resonates with the intricacies of educational and societal values. 'Sohrab and Rustum,' with its tragedy of mistaken identity and lost opportunities for paternal connection, perhaps channels Arnold's meditations on the estrangements of his time, offering a poignant allegory for the potential disconnections within any era's familial and social bonds. This special edition published by DigiCat Publishing presents an opportunity for both scholars and general readers to delve into a classic that encapsulates the richness of Victorian literary tradition and the timeless relevance of Arnold's thought. Its accessibility in both print and digital formats ensures that the legacy of Matthew Arnold's poetic eloquence and insightful, critical gaze remain influential today. For those seeking to comprehend the complexities of human relationships, to explore the depths of cultural critique, or to simply revel in the beauty of composed verse, 'Matthew Arnold's Sohrab and Rustum and Other Poems' is an essential addition to any discerning reader's collection.

About the author

Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) was a distinguished Victorian poet, literary critic, and essayist known for his insightful exploration of the challenges and cultural shifts of his time. As an accomplished wordsmith, Arnold traversed both the poetic and critical domains, establishing himself as a unique voice in the tapestry of 19th-century English literature. His well-regarded volume, 'Matthew Arnold's Sohrab and Rustum and Other Poems', showcases his narrative skill and reflective depth, particularly in the titular poem 'Sohrab and Rustum' which draws upon the Persian epic, Shahnameh, to weave a tale of heroic confrontation and tragic recognition, emblematic of his preoccupation with the Classics and the human condition. Arnold's literary style is marked by a distinctive blend of romantic lyricism and intellectual rigor. His verse often grapples with the loss of faith and the search for meaning in an increasingly secular society, themes that remain poignant and widely studied. In addition to his poetry, Arnold's critical essays, such as 'Culture and Anarchy', reflect his position on culture as a means of social and moral improvement. His influential work continues to be a subject of academic interest for its prescient commentary on modernity and its discontents. Arnold's legacy endures in the canon of English literature as a subtle interrogator of his era's zeitgeist and an eloquent proponent for the role of literature in the cultivation of the intellect and spirit.