Question

According to Matthew Arnold, poetry should be viewed as:

• A. A source of entertainment
• B. A moral and intellectual guide
• C. A way to express personal emotions
• D. A historical document

Answer 1

Answer:

B. A moral and intellectual guide

Matthew Arnold viewed poetry as a moral and intellectual guide. He believed that poetry should serve as a means to elevate human thought, providing wisdom and ethical insight. In The Study of Poetry (1880), he argued that poetry could replace religion in offering moral guidance and truth, emphasizing its role in shaping character and refining human sensibilities. His concept of "high seriousness" reflects his belief that poetry must address profound themes with sincerity and depth.