Or, discuss Arnold’s treatment of nature in his poems.

Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) is one of the major poets of the Victorian age. He lived at a time when people were losing religious faith and feeling confused about life. Science and modern life were changing old beliefs. In this situation, Arnold often turns to nature in his poems. Nature is not only beautiful in his poetry. It also reflects human sorrow, faith, loss, and hope. Through poems like “Dover Beach,” “The Scholar-Gipsy,” and “Thyrsis,” Arnold presents nature as a mirror of human life and emotions.

Nature as a Source of Beauty and Calm: In many poems, Arnold first presents nature as calm, peaceful, and beautiful. In “Dover Beach” (1867), the poem opens with a quiet and lovely picture of the sea:

“The sea is calm tonight.”

The moonlight, the quiet tide, and the still night create a peaceful mood. Arnold asks his beloved to come to the window and enjoy the sweet night air. This beauty attracts the poet and gives him a moment of comfort. Similarly, in “The Scholar-Gipsy” and “Thyrsis,” Arnold describes fields, hills, rivers, and the Oxford countryside beautifully. Thus, nature first appears as a place of rest and beauty.

Nature Showing Human Sadness: Arnold’s nature also shows human pain and sadness. In “Dover Beach,” the sound of the waves becomes sad. When Arnold listens carefully, he hears the sound of the waves pulling pebbles back and forth. He calls it:

“The eternal note of sadness.”

Here, nature is not only beautiful; it shows the pain and sadness of the human world. The sea’s sound reminds him that sorrow has always existed, even in ancient times. So, nature becomes a symbol of continuous human misery.

Nature and Loss of Faith: One of the most important ideas in Arnold’s poetry is the loss of faith. Nature helps him express this idea. Arnold compares religious faith to a sea that once covered the whole world. In the past, faith was strong and comforting. He says:

“The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full.”

But now, that sea is withdrawing. Faith is no longer strong. Arnold can only hear its sad sound as it moves away from the world. This clearly shows the Victorian crisis of faith. As a result, the world feels empty, cold, and unsafe.

Nature as Escape from Modern Life: In “The Scholar-Gipsy,” nature becomes a place of escape. The modern world is full of noise, competition, and restlessness. But the Scholar-Gipsy lives close to nature among the gypsies. He remains free from this confusion. The quiet fields and open air help him keep his mind fresh and peaceful. Nature becomes a place where the soul can rest. Arnold writes:

“Thou hadst one aim, one business, one desire.”

This line shows that the Scholar-Gipsy has a single purpose in life. Unlike modern people, his mind is not divided. Thus, Arnold shows that nature can save human beings from the disease of modern life.

Nature and Memory: In “Thyrsis,” nature is closely connected with memory and loss. Arnold uses many natural images like trees, hills, flowers, fields, and the River Thames. He remembers how he and his dead friend Clough enjoyed the peaceful countryside together. But now, everything has changed. He writes:

“Where are the mowers…?
They all are gone, and thou art gone as well!”

These lines show how nature itself reminds the poet of the loss of his friend. Nature here becomes a silent witness to human death and suffering. At the same time, it also keeps memories alive.

In fine, Matthew Arnold’s treatment of nature is deep and thoughtful. Nature in his poems is not only beautiful scenery. It reflects human sorrow, spiritual loss, memory, and hope. Sometimes nature gives peace; sometimes it shows pain. It helps Arnold express the Victorian crisis of faith and the sadness of modern life.