The Transitoriness of Man-Made Things and the Permanence of Nature in 'Thyrsis'
PremiumHow does Arnold represent a contrast between the transitoriness of man-made things and the permanence of nature in 'Thyrsis' Or how does Arnold present the contrast between the man-made things and the objects of nature in 'Thyrsis' Thyrsis is the most celebrated elegy where Matthew Arnold - mourns his friend Arthur Hugh Clough Through his journey in the Oxford countryside Arnold vividly depicts how human works are temporary while nature's spirit remains stable This contrast highlights the poem s deeper themes of memory loss and the quest for eternal truth Human Changes vs Natural Stability Arnold observes cycle of change in the landscape brought by human activity He notes The village street its haunted mansion lacks And from the sign is gone Sibylla's name He lamented the disappearance of familiar man-made landmarks These alterations represent the transient nature of human achievements In contrast he asks Are ye too changed ye