According to Matthew Arnold, the key characteristics of great poetry include:
High Truth – Poetry must express profound and universal truths about life, human nature, and morality. It should provide wisdom and insight, serving as a guide for humanity.
High Seriousness – Arnold believed that great poetry should deal with important, elevated themes with depth and sincerity. This concept is central to his literary criticism.
Imagination – A great poet must possess creative power and the ability to present ideas in a vivid and compelling way, elevating ordinary experiences to universal significance.
Artistic Excellence – Poetry should exhibit technical mastery, including well-crafted language, rhythm, and form, ensuring that its expression is as powerful as its content.
Arnold argued that these qualities distinguish truly great poetry from mediocre or overrated works.
