The Study of Poetry Characters

MA

Matthew Arnold

Protagonist

Intellectually rigorous Critical Analytical Literary authority

Matthew Arnold (1822–1888) was an English poet and literary critic. As the author of 'The Study of Poetry,' he serves as the central voice and guiding intellect of the work, evaluating poetic standards and the role of poetry in human life.

H

Homer

Supporting

Foundational Epic Ancient Culturally defining

Homer (8th century B.C.E.) was the ancient Greek figure credited with composing The Odyssey and The Iliad. Arnold references him as a touchstone of the highest poetic achievement and a standard against which other poets are measured.

DA

Dante Alighieri

Supporting

Also known as: Dante

Visionary Spiritually profound Narrative mastery Culturally monumental

Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) was an Italian poet and author of The Divine Comedy, considered the greatest poetic work in the Italian language. Arnold uses him as another supreme touchstone of poetic excellence alongside Homer.

WS

William Shakespeare

Supporting

Also known as: Shakespeare

Supreme dramatic genius Linguistically masterful Universal Emotionally profound

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was an English poet and playwright widely regarded as the supreme poet and dramatist of the English language. Arnold invokes him as one of the highest standards of poetic and dramatic achievement.

JM

John Milton

Supporting

Also known as: Milton

Grand Morally serious Foundational Elevated in style

John Milton (1608–1674) was an English poet and author of Paradise Lost, a foundational work of English poetry. Arnold references him as a major figure representing the highest qualities of English poetic tradition.

WW

William Wordsworth

Supporting

Also known as: Wordsworth

Romantic Nature-focused Introspective Emotionally sincere

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) was an English poet of the Romantic period. Arnold discusses him as a significant figure in English poetry, evaluating his strengths and place within the broader poetic canon.

GC

Geoffrey Chaucer

Supporting

Also known as: Chaucer

Narrative skill Humorous Foundational to English literature Vivid

Geoffrey Chaucer (1340s–1400) was an English poet and author of the Canterbury Tales. Arnold examines his contributions to English poetry while also noting certain limitations in the seriousness of his work.

RB

Robert Burns

Supporting

Also known as: Burns

Lyrical Nationally celebrated Emotionally direct Authentic

Robert Burns (1759–1796) was a Scottish poet considered the national poet of Scotland. Arnold references him in the context of evaluating poetic greatness and the distinction between personal sentiment and true poetic high seriousness.

SB

Saint Beuve

Minor

Also known as: Sainte-Beuve

Critical French literary authority Analytical Scholarly

Saint Beuve (1804–1869) was a French literary critic referenced by Arnold in the context of critical methodology and the evaluation of literary works.

NB

Napoleon Bonaparte

Minor

Also known as: Napoleon

Powerful Historically dominant Imperial Decisive

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) was Emperor of the French. He is referenced briefly by Arnold, likely as a historical example in the context of evaluating greatness or the spirit of an age.

CD

Charles d'Héricault

Minor

Critical French scholar Evaluative Literary

Charles d'Héricault (1823–1899) was a French literary critic cited by Arnold, likely in relation to the assessment of French medieval poetry and critical standards.

MV

M. Vitet

Minor

Also known as: Ludovic Vitet

Political Literary minded Critical French intellectual

Ludovic Vitet (1802–1873) was a French politician and literary critic referenced by Arnold in discussions of poetic and critical judgment.

JD

John Dryden

Minor

Also known as: Dryden

Critical Neoclassical Influential Technically skilled

John Dryden (1631–1700) was an English poet and literary critic. Arnold references him in the context of the history of English poetry and the development of poetic style and criticism.

AP

Alexander Pope

Minor

Also known as: Pope

Witty Neoclassical Technically precise Satirical

Alexander Pope (1688–1744) was an English poet referenced by Arnold, likely in evaluating the nature of poetic excellence and the distinction between verse craftsmanship and true poetic greatness.

TG

Thomas Gray

Minor

Also known as: Gray

Elegiac Refined Scholarly Emotionally restrained

Thomas Gray (1716–1771) was an English poet referenced by Arnold as an example within discussions of poetic quality and the standards of English verse.

PB

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Minor

Also known as: Shelley

Idealistic Lyrical Romantic Visionary

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) was an English Romantic poet referenced by Arnold in the context of evaluating the achievements and characteristics of Romantic era poetry.

LB

Lord Byron

Minor

Also known as: Byron, George Gordon Byron

Romantic Rebellious Passionate Dramatic

Lord Byron (1788–1824) was an English Romantic poet referenced by Arnold, likely in the context of assessing the true poetic greatness of Romantic era figures and distinguishing popularity from lasting literary merit.

The Study of Poetry

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