What is Charlatanism Making Fake or False Ideas as Important In The Study of Poetry Matthew Arnold talks about a problem in literature called Charlatanism Charlatanism means making something seem good or important when it really is not Arnold explains how this issue can harm our understanding of good poetry He warns that this problem is especially dangerous in poetry because poetry is meant to be a high art that reflects truth and beauty Mixing Good and Bad Poetry Arnold says charlatanism happens when people cannot distinguish between good and bad poetry He explains Charlatanism is for confusing or obliterating the distinctions between excellent and inferior sound and unsound He argues that if we cannot clearly see the difference between good and bad poetry our judgment becomes weak and unreliable Giving Wrong Praise According to Arnold false praise is a sign of charlatanism He warns In poetry more than anywhere