Thyrsis

Background And from the sign is gone Sibylla's name,

"Thyrsis" is a pastoral elegy written by Matthew And from the roofs the twisted chimney-stacks—
Arnold. The poem serves as a memorial to Arnold's
close friend, the poet Arthur Hugh Clough. Clough Are ye too changed, ye hills?
and Arnold had a deep and enduring friendship that See, 'tis no foot of unfamiliar men
began during their Oxford days and continued until
Clough's death in 1861. To-night from Oxford up your pathway strays!

Arthur Hugh Clough was a poet and intellectual, Here came I often, often, in old days—
and his influence on Arnold was profound. Clough's
Thyrsis and I; we still had Thyrsis then.
skeptical and questioning approach to religion and
his engagement with contemporary social and
political issues left a lasting impact on Arnold's
thought and poetry. Runs it not here, the track by Childsworth Farm,

"Thyrsis" is part of a literary tradition known as Past the high wood, to where the elm-tree crowns
pastoral elegy, where the speaker reflects on the
The hill behind whose ridge the sunset flames?
death of a friend in a natural and rural setting. The
poem is set in the countryside of Oxford, where The signal-elm, that looks on Ilsley Downs,
Arnold and Clough had spent much of their time
together. The title "Thyrsis" refers to a shepherd in The Vale, the three lone weirs, the youthful
ancient Greek and Roman poetry, adding a pastoral Thames?—
and classical touch to the elegy. This winter-eve is warm,
The poem is not only a tribute to Clough but also a Humid the air! leafless, yet soft as spring,
meditation on the passing of an era and the broader
changes in society and culture. Arnold mourns not The tender purple spray on copse and briers!
only the loss of his friend but also the changing
And that sweet city with her dreaming spires,
intellectual and social landscape of the time.
She needs not June for beauty's heightening,
"Thyrsis" is deeply personal and reflective,
capturing the essence of the friendship between
Arnold and Clough, as well as expressing Arnold's
thoughts on the cultural and intellectual currents of Lovely all times she lies, lovely to-night!—
their shared era.
Only, methinks, some loss of habit's power
Thyrsis: A Monody, to Commemorate the
Befalls me wandering through this upland dim.
Author's Friend, Arthur Hugh Clough
Once pass'd I blindfold here, at any hour;
BY MATTHEW ARNOLD
Now seldom come I, since I came with him.
How changed is here each spot man makes or fills!
That single elm-tree bright
In the two Hinkseys nothing keeps the same;
Against the west—I miss it! is it goner?
The village street its haunted mansion lacks,
We prized it dearly; while it stood, we said,
 Thyrsis
Our friend, the Gipsy-Scholar, was not dead; Before the roses and the longest day—

While the tree lived, he in these fields lived on. When garden-walks and all the grassy floor

With blossoms red and white of fallen May

Too rare, too rare, grow now my visits here, And chestnut-flowers are strewn—

But once I knew each field, each flower, each stick; So have I heard the cuckoo's parting cry,

And with the country-folk acquaintance made From the wet field, through the vext garden-trees,

By barn in threshing-time, by new-built rick. Come with the volleying rain and tossing breeze:

Here, too, our shepherd-pipes we first assay'd. The bloom is gone, and with the bloom go I!

Ah me! this many a year

My pipe is lost, my shepherd's holiday! Too quick despairer, wherefore wilt thou go?

Needs must I lose them, needs with heavy heart Soon will the high Midsummer pomps come on,

Into the world and wave of men depart; Soon will the musk carnations break and swell,

But Thyrsis of his own will went away. Soon shall we have gold-dusted snapdragon,

Sweet-William with his homely cottage-smell,

It irk'd him to be here, he could not rest. And stocks in fragrant blow;

He loved each simple joy the country yields, Roses that down the alleys shine afar,

He loved his mates; but yet he could not keep, And open, jasmine-muffled lattices,

For that a shadow lour'd on the fields, And groups under the dreaming garden-trees,

Here with the shepherds and the silly sheep. And the full moon, and the white evening-star.

Some life of men unblest

He knew, which made him droop, and fill'd his He hearkens not! light comer, he is flown!
head.
What matters it? next year he will return,
He went; his piping took a troubled sound
And we shall have him in the sweet spring-days,
Of storms that rage outside our happy ground;
With whitening hedges, and uncrumpling fern,
He could not wait their passing, he is dead.
And blue-bells trembling by the forest-ways,

And scent of hay new-mown.

So, some tempestuous morn in early June,
But Thyrsis never more we swains shall see;
When the year's primal burst of bloom is o'er,
 Thyrsis
See him come back, and cut a smoother reed, Yet, Thyrsis, let me give my grief its hour

And blow a strain the world at last shall heed— In the old haunt, and find our tree-topp'd hill!

For Time, not Corydon, hath conquer'd thee! Who, if not I, for questing here hath power?

I know the wood which hides the daffodil,

Alack, for Corydon no rival now!— I know the Fyfield tree,

But when Sicilian shepherds lost a mate, I know what white, what purple fritillaries

Some good survivor with his flute would go, The grassy harvest of the river-fields,

Piping a ditty sad for Bion's fate; Above by Ensham, down by Sandford, yields,

And cross the unpermitted ferry's flow, And what sedged brooks are Thames's tributaries;

And relax Pluto's brow,

And make leap up with joy the beauteous head I know these slopes; who knows them if not I?—

Of Proserpine, among whose crowned hair But many a tingle on the loved hillside,

Are flowers first open'd on Sicilian air, With thorns once studded, old, white-blossom'd
trees,
And flute his friend, like Orpheus, from the dead.
Where thick the cowslips grew, and far descried

High tower'd the spikes of purple orchises,

O easy access to the hearer's grace
Hath since our day put by
When Dorian shepherds sang to Proserpine!
The coronals of that forgotten time;
For she herself had trod Sicilian fields,
Down each green bank hath gone the ploughboy's
She knew the Dorian water's gush divine, team,
She knew each lily white which Enna yields And only in the hidden brookside gleam
Each rose with blushing face; Primroses, orphans of the flowery prime.
She loved the Dorian pipe, the Dorian strain.

But ah, of our poor Thames she never heard! Where is the girl, who by the boatman's door,
Her foot the Cumner cowslips never stirr'd; Above the locks, above the boating throng,
And we should tease her with our plaint in vain! Unmoor'd our skiff when through the Wytham flats,

Red loosestrife and blond meadow-sweet among

Well! wind-dispersed and vain the words will be, And darting swallows and light water-gnats,
 Thyrsis
We track'd the shy Thames shore?

Where are the mowers, who, as the tiny swell But hush! the upland hath a sudden loss

Of our boat passing heaved the river-grass, Of quiet!—Look, adown the dusk hill-side,

Stood with suspended scythe to see us pass?— A troop of Oxford hunters going home,

They all are gone, and thou art gone as well! As in old days, jovial and talking, ride!

From hunting with the Berkshire hounds they come.

Yes, thou art gone! and round me too the night Quick! let me fly, and cross

In ever-nearing circle weaves her shade. Into yon farther field!—'Tis done; and see,

I see her veil draw soft across the day, Back'd by the sunset, which doth glorify

I feel her slowly chilling breath invade The orange and pale violet evening-sky,

The cheek grown thin, the brown hair sprent with Bare on its lonely ridge, the Tree! the Tree!
grey;

I feel her finger light

I take the omen! Eve lets down her veil,
Laid pausefully upon life's headlong train; —
The white fog creeps from bush to bush about,
The foot less prompt to meet the morning dew,
The west unflushes, the high stars grow bright,
The heart less bounding at emotion new,
And in the scatter'd farms the lights come out.
And hope, once crush'd, less quick to spring again.
I cannot reach the signal-tree to-night,

Yet, happy omen, hail!

And long the way appears, which seem'd so short
Hear it from thy broad lucent Arno-vale
To the less practised eye of sanguine youth;
(For there thine earth forgetting eyelids keep
And high the mountain-tops, in cloudy air,
The morningless and unawakening sleep
The mountain-tops where is the throne of Truth,
Under the flowery oleanders pale),
Tops in life's morning-sun so bright and bare!

Unbreachable the fort

Hear it, O Thyrsis, still our tree is there!—
Of the long-batter'd world uplifts its wall;
Ah, vain! These English fields, this upland dim,
And strange and vain the earthly turmoil grows,
These brambles pale with mist engarlanded,
And near and real the charm of thy repose,
That lone, sky-pointing tree, are not for him;
And night as welcome as a friend would fall.
 Thyrsis
To a boon southern country he is fled, Know him a wanderer still; then why not me?

And now in happier air,

Wandering with the great Mother's train divine A fugitive and gracious light he seeks,

(And purer or more subtle soul than thee, Shy to illumine; and I seek it too.

I trow, the mighty Mother doth not see) This does not come with houses or with gold,

Within a folding of the Apennine, With place, with honour, and a flattering crew;

'Tis not in the world's market bought and sold—

Thou hearest the immortal chants of old!— But the smooth-slipping weeks

Putting his sickle to the perilous grain Drop by, and leave its seeker still untired;

In the hot cornfield of the Phrygian king, Out of the heed of mortals he is gone,

For thee the Lityerses-song again He wends unfollow'd, he must house alone;

Young Daphnis with his silver voice doth sing; Yet on he fares, by his own heart inspired.

Sings his Sicilian fold,

His sheep, his hapless love, his blinded eyes— Thou too, O Thyrsis, on like quest wast bound;

And how a call celestial round him rang, Thou wanderedst with me for a little hour!

And heavenward from the fountain-brink he sprang, Men gave thee nothing; but this happy quest,

And all the marvel of the golden skies. If men esteem'd thee feeble, gave thee power,

If men procured thee trouble, gave thee rest.

There thou art gone, and me thou leavest here And this rude Cumner ground,

Sole in these fields! yet will I not despair. Its fir-topped Hurst, its farms, its quiet fields,

Despair I will not, while I yet descry Here cams't thou in thy jocund youthful time,

'Neath the mild canopy of English air Here was thine height of strength, thy golden prime!

That lonely tree against the western sky. And still the haunt beloved a virtue yields.

Still, still these slopes, 'tis clear,

Our Gipsy-Scholar haunts, outliving thee! What though the music of thy rustic flute

Fields where soft sheep from cages pull the hay, Kept not for long its happy, country tone;

Woods with anemonies in flower till May, Lost it too soon, and learnt a stormy note
 Thyrsis
Of men contention-tost, of men who groan, **Stanzas 3-4:**

Which task'd thy pipe too sore, and tired thy The speaker reminisces about walking with Thyrsis
throat— (Arthur Hugh Clough) through the countryside. The
reference to the single elm-tree holds sentimental
It fail'd, and thou wage mute! value, symbolizing their friendship. The loss of this
Yet hadst thou always visions of our light, tree becomes symbolic of Clough's death. The
speaker reflects on the vibrant beauty of the
And long with men of care thou couldst not stay, countryside and the intellectual discussions they
shared.
And soon thy foot resumed its wandering way,
**Stanzas 5-6:**
Left human haunt, and on alone till night.
The poem delves into the reasons behind Thyrsis'
departure. The speaker suggests that Clough, unable
Too rare, too rare, grow now my visits here! to find peace and contentment, left the countryside
in response to an inner turmoil or dissatisfaction
'Mid city-noise, not, as with thee of yore, with life. The departure is portrayed as a response to
a "life of men unblest," contributing to the theme of
Thyrsis! in reach of sheep-bells is my home.
internal struggle.
—Then through the great town's harsh, heart-
**Stanzas 7-8:**
wearying roar,
The speaker acknowledges the infrequency of his
Let in thy voice a whisper often come,
visits to familiar places and reflects on inevitable
To chase fatigue and fear: change. However, he finds solace in the cyclical
nature of the seasons. The mention of anticipating
Why faintest thou! I wander'd till I died. the return of spring and its associated pleasures
Roam on! The light we sought is shining still. brings a hopeful tone, emphasizing the potential for
renewal and regeneration.
Dost thou ask proof? Our tree yet crowns the hill,
**Stanzas 9-10:**
Our Scholar travels yet the loved hill-side.
The poem concludes with the speaker
Certainly! Let's break down the poem "Thyrsis" acknowledging Thyrsis' departure. Despite the
stanza by stanza: physical absence, there is an optimistic look toward
the future. The speaker anticipates the return of
**Stanzas 1-2:**
spring in the next year, emphasizing the cyclical
The speaker begins by noting the changes in the nature of life. The final lines convey a sense of
landscape around Oxford. He mentions the altered acceptance, suggesting that while physical presence
village names, the absence of familiar landmarks, may be gone, the spirit and influence of Thyrsis will
and the changed chimney-stacks. The speaker endure.
expresses a sense of nostalgia and longing for the
Throughout the poem, Arnold weaves themes of
past, indicating that even the physical surroundings
friendship, nature, and the passage of time. The
have transformed.
changing landscape serves as a backdrop to the
speaker's reflections on loss, memory, and the
 Thyrsis
enduring impact of a departed friend. The poem who come after, leaving a lasting influence on the
combines pastoral elements with elegiac sentiments, intellectual and cultural landscape. "Thyrsis" is a
creating a nuanced exploration of the complexities poignant exploration of friendship, loss, and the
of remembrance and the continuity of life. passage of time, set against the backdrop of a
changing world.
Summary
Themes
"Thyrsis" is a pastoral elegy written by Matthew
Arnold in memory of his close friend, the poet The themes of the poem "Thyrsis" by Matthew
Arthur Hugh Clough. The poem reflects on Arnold include:
Clough's life, their friendship, and the changes in
society and culture during their time. Here is a brief 1. **Loss and Remembrance:**
summary of the poem: The central theme revolves around the loss of the
The poem begins with the speaker, Arnold, speaker's friend, Thyrsis (Arthur Hugh Clough).
lamenting the death of Clough, who is referred to as The poem reflects on the impact of Thyrsis'
"Thyrsis." The setting is the rural landscape around departure and the speaker's efforts to remember and
Oxford, a place where Arnold and Clough spent honor him.
time together during their days at the university. The 2. **Nature and Landscape:**
pastoral setting adds a nostalgic and reflective tone
to the elegy. Nature serves as a backdrop to the speaker's
reflections. The changing seasons and the pastoral
Arnold describes the natural surroundings, landscape become symbolic of the passage of time
including the meadows, river, and hills, which serve and the cyclical nature of life.
as a backdrop to his memories of Clough. The
speaker recalls their intellectual discussions, walks 3. **Friendship:**
in the countryside, and the influence Clough had on
The poem explores the theme of friendship,
his own thinking.
particularly the deep bond between the speaker and
As Arnold reflects on Clough's life, he Thyrsis. The memories of shared experiences and
acknowledges the changes and challenges of the intellectual discussions contribute to the sense of
time. The poem becomes a meditation on the loss.
broader shifts in society, culture, and intellectual
4. **Cyclical Nature of Life:**
thought. Arnold mourns not only the loss of his
friend but also the passing of an era, expressing a The anticipation of the return of spring and the
sense of nostalgia for the ideals and values they cyclical pattern of the seasons convey a broader
shared. theme of the continuity of life. Despite the personal
loss, there is an acknowledgment of the natural
The elegy is both a personal tribute and a
rhythms of renewal and regeneration.
commentary on the intellectual and cultural currents
of the Victorian period. Arnold mourns the decline 5. **Nostalgia:**
of certain intellectual and moral traditions,
capturing a sense of loss and the inevitable changes The speaker expresses a deep sense of nostalgia
that come with time. for the past. Changes in the landscape and the
absence of familiar landmarks evoke a longing for
In the concluding lines, Arnold expresses the hope the time when Thyrsis was present.
that Clough's spirit will continue to inspire those
 Thyrsis
6. **Internal Struggle:** continuity of life and the eternal return of the
seasons.
The departure of Thyrsis is linked to an inner
struggle or dissatisfaction with life. The poem hints 3. **Reflecting Human Emotions:**
at Thyrsis' quest for contentment and peace, which
he sought beyond the countryside. Nature provides a mirror for human emotions and
experiences. By describing natural scenes and
7. **Acceptance:** landscapes, Arnold can evoke specific moods and
emotions that resonate with the themes of his
Ultimately, there is a theme of acceptance. The poems. The external world becomes a reflection of
speaker acknowledges the inevitability of change, internal states.
both in the natural world and in personal
relationships. Despite the sense of loss, there is a 4. **Connection with Romanticism:**
hopeful note, emphasizing the enduring influence of
Thyrsis. Arnold, though critical of some aspects of
Romanticism, shares the Romantic poets'
These themes collectively contribute to the elegiac appreciation for nature. The Romantics believed
and contemplative nature of the poem, making it a that nature held spiritual and moral truths, and
poignant exploration of friendship, memory, and the Arnold, while more skeptical, still recognizes the
interconnectedness of life and nature. emotional and moral power of the natural world.

Why does Arnold so frequently incorporate 5. **Timeless Themes:**

natural metaphors and outdoor imagery into his
poetry? Answer with reference to the poems "A Natural imagery allows Arnold to explore timeless
Grammarian's Funeral" and "Thyrsis". themes such as the transience of life, the passage of
time, and the cycles of nature. These themes, when
Matthew Arnold frequently incorporates natural connected to the natural world, become enduring
metaphors and outdoor imagery into his poetry for and relatable across different periods.
several reasons, including:
6. **Conveying Transcendental Ideas:**
1. **Universality of Nature:**
The use of outdoor imagery aligns with Arnold's
Arnold often uses nature as a metaphor because it exploration of transcendental ideas. Nature often
provides a universal language. Nature is a constant, serves as a bridge to the divine or the eternal. In
timeless backdrop that people from various "Thyrsis," the natural landscape becomes a
backgrounds and cultures can understand. It allows backdrop for contemplating life, death, and the
him to convey emotions and ideas in a way that possibility of an afterlife.
transcends specific cultural or historical contexts.
7. **Aesthetic Beauty:**
2. **Symbolism and Allegory:**
Arnold places a strong emphasis on the aesthetic
Natural imagery often serves as a symbolic and artistic qualities of poetry. Descriptions of
representation of broader themes. In "A nature allow him to infuse his work with beauty,
Grammarian's Funeral," for example, the changing creating a sensory experience for the reader and
seasons and natural elements symbolize the stages enhancing the overall impact of the poem.
of life and the inevitability of death. Similarly, in
"Thyrsis," the cyclical patterns of nature convey the By incorporating natural metaphors and outdoor
imagery, Arnold enriches his poetry, infusing it with
 Thyrsis
layers of meaning, emotion, and timeless 4. **Corydon as a Pastoral Figure:**
significance.
Corydon, traditionally a shepherd in classical
Discuss Arnold's handing of Greek and Latin literature, becomes a symbolic figure representing
allusions in his portrayal of Thyrsis-Corydon the pastoral poetic tradition. Arnold's use of this
relationship in "Thyrsis". name associates the poem with the pastoral elegy,
emphasizing the themes of nature, loss, and the
In Matthew Arnold's poem "Thyrsis," the passing of time.
relationship between Thyrsis and Corydon is
portrayed with a significant use of Greek and Latin 5. **The Muses and Apollo:**
allusions. These allusions contribute to the depth of
the poem by drawing on classical references to References to the Muses and Apollo, the Greek
enrich the themes and emotions expressed. Here are god of poetry, further elevate the poem into the
some key aspects of Arnold's handling of these realm of classical mythology. Thyrsis is described
allusions: as "Thyrsis with the Muses dear," aligning him with
the inspiration provided by the Muses and
1. **Classical Pastoral Tradition:** suggesting a divine or elevated status in the poetic
realm.
The use of Thyrsis and Corydon as names draws
directly from the classical pastoral tradition, where 6. **Contrast with Modern Realities:**
shepherds with these names were common in the
works of ancient Greek and Roman poets, such as By juxtaposing the classical references with the
Theocritus and Virgil. Arnold's choice of these modern realities of rural Oxfordshire, Arnold
names creates a connection with the pastoral poetry creates a tension between the idyllic past and the
of the past, emphasizing continuity and the enduring changing present. This contrast enhances the elegiac
nature of poetic themes. tone, emphasizing the loss of a poetic era and the
impact of societal changes on the landscape.
2. **Elegiac Tradition:**
7. **Eternal Themes:**
The elegiac tradition in classical literature, often
associated with expressing lamentation or The use of classical allusions reinforces the
mourning, finds resonance in Arnold's poem. The eternal and timeless nature of the themes explored
use of classical allusions allows Arnold to tap into in the poem. Despite the changing times, the poem
the elegiac mode to convey a sense of loss and suggests that the essence of poetry and the
mourning for the departed Thyrsis. connection to nature remain enduring and
significant.
3. **Theocritus and Virgil References:**
In "Thyrsis," Arnold's adept handling of Greek and
Arnold incorporates specific references to Latin allusions serves to deepen the poem's
Theocritus and Virgil, prominent poets of the connection to classical traditions, infusing it with
classical pastoral tradition. The mention of layers of meaning and emphasizing the continuity
"Theocritus with his eyes upturn'd" and "Virgil self, of poetic expression across different ages.
the master of the world" positions Thyrsis in a
lineage of poets, highlighting his significance in the
poetic tradition.
 Thyrsis
Show how Arnold voices the concern and time, lamenting the passing of an era marked by
anguish of his time in his poems "A intellectual vitality and artistic expression.
Grammarian's Funeral" and "Thyrsis".
2. **Nature and Modernity:**
Matthew Arnold, a Victorian poet and critic, often
expressed the concerns and anxieties of his time - Arnold contrasts the idyllic, classical landscapes
through his poetry. In "A Grammarian's Funeral" with the encroachment of modernity in rural
and "Thyrsis," Arnold addresses various social, Oxfordshire. The poem reflects Arnold's concern
cultural, and intellectual issues prevalent in the about the impact of industrialization and
Victorian era. urbanization on the natural world and the erosion of
traditional ways of life.
### "A Grammarian's Funeral":
3. **Cultural Anxiety:**
1. **Concern for Scholarship and Learning:**
- Arnold voices cultural anxiety regarding the
- Arnold voices his concern for the decline of disintegration of traditional values and the erosion
scholarship and learning in the face of industrial and of a pastoral way of life. The use of classical
material progress. The death of the grammarian allusions and references to ancient poets
symbolizes the fading importance of intellectual underscores a sense of cultural decline.
pursuits in a society increasingly focused on
material gain. 4. **The Role of Poetry:**

2. **Critique of Utilitarianism:** - Poetry, for Arnold, becomes a medium to

preserve and lament what is lost. "Thyrsis" is both a
- The poem critiques the utilitarian values of personal elegy and a commentary on the broader
Victorian society, where practical and monetary cultural shifts, emphasizing the role of poetry in
gains are prioritized over intellectual and spiritual reflecting and critiquing society.
pursuits. The Grammarian's dedication to
knowledge and the classics contrasts with the In both poems, Arnold grapples with the tensions
prevailing utilitarian mindset. between tradition and modernity, the decline of
intellectual pursuits, and the impact of societal
3. **Yearning for the Past:** changes on individual lives. Through elegy and
lamentation, he articulates the concerns and anguish
- Arnold expresses a nostalgic yearning for the of his time, offering a nuanced critique of Victorian
past when scholars and thinkers were revered. The values and a yearning for a more intellectually and
funeral becomes a lament for the loss of a bygone spiritually enriching era.
era where intellectual and moral values held greater
significance. In "Thyrsis" Arnold finds ways of assessing the
Victorian world in the mode of pastoral elegy.
### "Thyrsis": Elucidate
1. **Lament for a Lost Friend and Era:** In "Thyrsis," Matthew Arnold employs the pastoral
- "Thyrsis" is an elegy mourning the death of elegy as a literary form to assess the Victorian
Arnold's friend, the poet Arthur Hugh Clough. world, blending personal mourning with broader
Through this personal loss, Arnold also reflects on reflections on societal and cultural changes. The
the broader cultural and societal changes of his poem, which serves as an elegy for Arnold's friend
Arthur Hugh Clough, allows Arnold to express his
 Thyrsis
grief while offering a critique of the contemporary 6. **Role of Poetry and Art:**
Victorian landscape.
- As in many pastoral elegies, Arnold sees poetry
### Elements of Pastoral Elegy in "Thyrsis": as a means of preserving and lamenting what is lost.
The elegy itself becomes a form of cultural critique
1. **Nature as a Reflection of Society:** and a call for a return to the values represented by
- The poem begins with a vivid description of the deceased.
nature, depicting the Oxfordshire landscape. Arnold In "Thyrsis," the pastoral elegy becomes a nuanced
uses nature as a mirror to reflect the societal vehicle for Arnold to grapple with personal grief
changes of the Victorian era. The tranquil and and cultural critique simultaneously. The pastoral
idyllic scenes serve as a contrast to the disruptions mode allows him to explore the tension between the
caused by modernity and industrialization. tranquility of nature and the disruptions brought
2. **Loss of Rural Idyll:** about by modernity, offering a reflective assessment
of the Victorian world through the lens of elegiac
- The poem mourns the loss of a rural, pastoral poetry.
way of life. The "Thyrsis" of the poem represents
not only the deceased friend but also the How do Arnold's poems synthesize the elements
embodiment of a bygone era when the countryside of both Romanticism and Modernism?
was untouched by the disruptive forces of progress. Matthew Arnold's poetry exhibits a synthesis of
3. **Classical Allusions:** elements from both Romanticism and Modernism,
reflecting his position as a transitional figure
- Arnold employs classical allusions, drawing on between the two literary movements. Here's how
the pastoral tradition of ancient Greek and Roman Arnold's poems incorporate aspects of both
poetry. The references to classical poets like Romantic and Modernist sensibilities:
Theocritus and Virgil contribute to the elegiac tone
and connect the poem to a broader literary tradition. ### **Romantic Elements:**

4. **Reflections on Cultural Change:** 1. **Nature and the Sublime:**

- Through pastoral imagery, Arnold comments on - Like the Romantics, Arnold often turns to nature
the cultural shifts of his time. The encroachment of for inspiration. His works frequently feature vivid
modernity and the disruption of traditional rural life descriptions of landscapes and use nature as a
become metaphors for broader societal changes, backdrop to explore human emotions.
including the impact of industrialization, 2. **Individual Subjectivity:**
urbanization, and shifts in values.
- Arnold, akin to the Romantics, explores
5. **Nostalgia for a Golden Age:** individual subjectivity and personal introspection.
- Arnold expresses a sense of nostalgia for a His poetry often delves into the inner thoughts and
"golden age" of cultural and intellectual vibrancy. emotions of the speaker.
The loss of Thyrsis becomes symbolic of the 3. **Elegiac Tones:**
broader loss of a more harmonious and culturally
rich era that is fading away. - Many of Arnold's poems, such as "Dover Beach"
and "Thyrsis," carry elegiac tones reminiscent of
 Thyrsis
Romantic elegies. These poems lament the loss of Modernist periods. His poetry grapples with the
cultural and personal ideals. impact of industrialization and societal shifts, yet it
retains a Romantic sensitivity to individual
### **Modernist Elements:** emotions and the natural world. The elegiac and
1. **Cultural Critique:** introspective qualities in his works align with
Romantic traditions, while his critical engagement
- Arnold's poetry, especially in works like "Dover with contemporary society aligns with Modernist
Beach," reflects a Modernist inclination for cultural concerns. Arnold's ability to navigate these diverse
critique. He examines the disillusionment of his influences contributes to the richness and
time, questioning the foundations of faith and complexity of his poetic legacy.
societal stability.
How does Arnold recall his Oxford days in
2. **Shift Toward Realism:** "Thyrsis"?

- In some poems, Arnold moves away from the In "Thyrsis," Matthew Arnold fondly recalls his
idealized and picturesque portrayals of nature Oxford days, reflecting on the time he spent in the
typical of Romantic poetry. Instead, he adopts a academic environment and the memories associated
more realistic and at times pessimistic view of the with his friend, Arthur Hugh Clough (referred to as
world. Thyrsis in the poem). Here are some key points on
how Arnold recalls his Oxford days in "Thyrsis":
3. **Concerns with Change and Dislocation:**
### **1. **Oxford's Scenic Beauty:**
- The Modernist theme of grappling with change
and a sense of dislocation is evident in Arnold's - Arnold reminisces about the scenic beauty of
works. He addresses the disruptions brought about Oxford. He describes familiar landscapes, such as
by industrialization, societal shifts, and the erosion the Wytham flats, Fyfield tree, and the Thames.
of traditional values. These natural settings become symbolic of the
idyllic and carefree days of his youth.
4. **Use of Classical Allusions:**
### **2. **Association with Thyrsis:**
- While Classical allusions are a characteristic of
both Romantic and Classical poetry, Arnold's use of - Thyrsis was a fellow student and friend of
them often aligns with Modernist tendencies. He Arnold at Oxford. The poem becomes a eulogy for
employs them not just for ornamental purposes but Clough, who had passed away. Arnold remembers
as part of a broader cultural dialogue. the companionship, intellectual exchanges, and the
shared experiences they had during their time at
5. **Intellectual Inquiry:**
Oxford.
- Arnold, influenced by Modernist thinkers,
### **3. **Recollection of Academic Pursuits:**
engages in intellectual inquiry and philosophical
exploration. His poetry reflects a questioning of - The poem reflects on academic pursuits,
established beliefs and a search for meaning in the including the pursuit of knowledge, discussions, and
face of societal changes. intellectual growth that characterized their Oxford
days. Arnold suggests that Thyrsis was an
### **Synthesis:**
intellectual companion with whom he shared
Arnold's synthesis of these elements results in a common academic interests.
body of work that bridges the Romantic and
 Thyrsis
### **4. **Musical and Artistic References:** and the Thames. Arnold uses pastoral settings to
create a picturesque backdrop for his reflections.
- Arnold uses musical and artistic references to
evoke the cultural ambiance of Oxford. He ### 2. **Lamentation for Thyrsis:**
mentions the shepherd's pipe, alluding to the
pastoral poetry and classical influences often - The central theme of the poem is the lamentation
associated with Oxford's intellectual and artistic for Thyrsis (Arthur Hugh Clough), Arnold's friend
traditions. who has passed away. The elegiac tone pervades the
verses as Arnold mourns the loss of his companion.
### **5. **Change Over Time:**
### 3. **Shepherd's Pipe and Musical Allusions:**
- The poem expresses a sense of loss and change
over time. Arnold laments the altered landscape and - The mention of the shepherd's pipe and
the disappearance of familiar features. The passing references to music align with pastoral traditions.
years have brought transformations to the once- The shepherd's pipe is a symbol of a simpler, idyllic
familiar places and, by extension, to the memories life, and its inclusion contributes to the pastoral
of their Oxford days. atmosphere.

### **6. **Loss and Nostalgia:** ### 4. **Nostalgia and Reflection:**

- "Thyrsis" is essentially an elegy mourning the - The poem reflects on the passage of time and
loss of a friend. Arnold uses the recollection of expresses a deep sense of nostalgia. Arnold looks
Oxford days to amplify the sense of nostalgia and back on his Oxford days, reminiscing about the
emphasize the emotional impact of Thyrsis's academic pursuits, discussions, and shared
absence. experiences with Thyrsis.

In summary, Arnold's "Thyrsis" is a poignant ### 5. **Elegiac Mode:**

remembrance of his Oxford days, capturing the - The overall mood is elegiac, marked by sorrow
beauty of the landscape, the intellectual pursuits, and mourning. The elegy serves not only as a tribute
and the camaraderie shared with Arthur Hugh to Thyrsis but also as a reflection on the transience
Clough. The poem blends personal memories with a of life and the inevitability of change.
broader reflection on the passage of time and the
enduring impact of friendships formed during those ### 6. **Cultural and Intellectual Allusions:**
formative years at Oxford.
- Arnold incorporates references to classical and
Consider Arnold's "Thyrsis" as a pastoral elegy. intellectual pursuits, fitting the pastoral elegy
tradition. The mention of the "Dorian water's gush
"Thyrsis" by Matthew Arnold can indeed be divine" and other classical allusions adds depth to
considered a pastoral elegy, a poetic form that the elegy.
typically reflects on rural or natural themes and
often laments the death of a friend or a way of life. ### 7. **Landscape as a Symbol:**
Here are some aspects of "Thyrsis" that align with
- The changing landscape becomes a symbolic
the characteristics of a pastoral elegy:
representation of the passage of time and the
### 1. **Natural Imagery and Landscape:** impermanence of life. The altered natural features
parallel the emotional impact of Thyrsis's death.
- The poem is rich with descriptions of natural
landscapes, such as the Wytham flats, Fyfield tree,
 Thyrsis
In conclusion, "Thyrsis" meets the criteria of a shared experiences. The specific mention of
pastoral elegy by employing natural imagery, locations like the Wytham flats and Fyfield tree
expressing lamentation for a friend, incorporating anchors the memories in a tangible, familiar setting.
musical and cultural allusions, and conveying a
nostalgic reflection on the past. The poem ### 5. **Classical and Cultural Allusions:**
encapsulates the essence of the pastoral elegy - Arnold employs classical allusions and
tradition while honoring the memory of Arnold's references to cultural pursuits, emphasizing the
dear friend Thyrsis. shared intellectual heritage that bonded them. The
In "Thyrsis' how does Arnold recall the memory mention of the "Dorian water's gush divine" adds a
of Arthur Hugh Clough? Discuss layer of cultural richness to the recollection.

In "Thyrsis," Matthew Arnold masterfully recalls ### 6. **Loss and Lament:**

the memory of his dear friend, Arthur Hugh Clough, - The elegiac tone of the poem underscores
through a poignant exploration of personal and Arnold's deep sense of loss. The repeated
shared experiences. Arnold reflects on their time lamentation and expressions of grief emphasize the
together at Oxford and, by extension, on the impact of Clough's absence on Arnold and on the
intellectual and cultural milieu of their era. Here are broader cultural and intellectual landscape.
some ways in which Arnold vividly recalls Clough's
memory in the poem: ### 7. **Reflection on Time's Passage:**

### 1. **Academic Pursuits:** - Arnold reflects on the changes that time has
wrought since their Oxford days. The altered
- Arnold fondly remembers the academic pursuits landscape and the passing of years become
they shared at Oxford. The mention of "fellow- symbolic of the temporal nature of life, adding a
loiterers" and the academic environment creates a layer of contemplation to the memory.
vivid image of their scholarly camaraderie.
### 8. **Personal Attachment:**
### 2. **Intellectual Discussions:**
- Through these recollections, Arnold expresses a
- The poem reflects on the intellectual discussions profound personal attachment to Clough. The
and pursuits that characterized their friendship. memories are not only about shared academic
Arnold reminisces about the discussions they had pursuits but also about the emotional and
on various topics, capturing the essence of their intellectual bonds that defined their friendship.
shared intellectual curiosity.
In essence, "Thyrsis" becomes a moving tribute to
### 3. **Musical Allusions:** Arthur Hugh Clough, skillfully blending personal
- Arnold uses musical allusions, such as the reminiscences with broader reflections on the
"shepherd's pipe," to evoke memories of shared intellectual and cultural currents of their time.
artistic and cultural interests. The image of the Arnold's vivid recall of Clough's memory creates a
shepherd's pipe becomes a metaphor for the timeless elegy that transcends the specific details
harmony of their friendship. and resonates with universal themes of friendship,
loss, and intellectual legacy.
### 4. **Oxford Landscape:**

- The poem describes the landscape around

Oxford, invoking the physical surroundings of their
 Thyrsis
How realistic does the setting appear in Arnold's are infused with emotional and intellectual
"Thyrsis"? resonance.

In "Thyrsis," Matthew Arnold creates a setting that 2. **Temporal Shifts:**

is a blend of realism and poetic imagination. While
the poem is rooted in the tangible landscapes of - The poem incorporates reflections on the
Oxford and its surroundings, Arnold infuses these changes that time has brought to the landscape. This
settings with a sense of symbolic and emotional temporal element introduces a reflective,
resonance. Here's an exploration of the realism and introspective quality that goes beyond a
poetic elements in the setting of "Thyrsis": straightforward depiction of the physical
environment.
### Realistic Elements:
3. **Personal and Emotional Associations:**
1. **Geographical Specificity:**
- The settings become charged with personal and
- Arnold provides specific geographical references emotional associations. Oxford, the landscape, and
to Oxford, Wytham flats, Fyfield tree, and other specific landmarks serve as the backdrop for the
locations. These references ground the poem in a poet's memories of his friend Thyrsis (Arthur Hugh
real-world setting and suggest a specific place and Clough). The emotional weight adds depth to the
time associated with the poet's experiences. portrayal of the setting.

2. **Natural Descriptions:** 4. **Elegiac Tone:**

- The poem includes vivid descriptions of natural - The elegiac tone of the poem influences the
elements like hills, river-fields, and flowers. These reader's perception of the setting. The landscape,
descriptions contribute to the realistic portrayal of while real, is filtered through the lens of grief and
the Oxford countryside, and they align with remembrance, casting a poignant and somewhat
Arnold's emphasis on the changing seasons and melancholic hue over the scenes described.
natural beauty.
In summary, Arnold's setting in "Thyrsis" achieves a
3. **Cultural and Academic Context:** balance between realism and poetic imagination.
While rooted in tangible locations and realistic
- References to academic pursuits, scholarly details, the settings also carry symbolic, emotional,
discussions, and classical allusions anchor the poem and elegiac dimensions that enhance the poem's
in the cultural and intellectual context of Oxford depth and resonance. The interplay between the real
University during Arnold's time. These details and the symbolic contributes to the overall power
contribute to a realistic portrayal of the academic and effectiveness of Arnold's elegy for his friend.
and cultural milieu.
Explore the symbolic elements in "Thyrsis,"
### Poetic and Symbolic Elements: considering the Fyfield tree, Wytham flats, and
1. **Symbolic Landscapes:** other natural features. How do these symbols
contribute to the overall meaning of the poem?
- While rooted in real landscapes, the settings take
on symbolic significance. For example, the Fyfield Certainly! In "Thyrsis," Matthew Arnold employs a
tree and the Wytham flats become emblematic of rich array of symbolic elements, particularly in the
the poet's memories and the passage of time. They natural landscape, to convey deeper meanings and
 Thyrsis
contribute to the overall theme of the poem. Here's poem. They serve as metaphors for the complexities
an exploration of some key symbols: of life, reflecting the cyclical nature of the seasons
and the inevitability of change.
1. **Fyfield Tree:**
4. **Shepherd's Pipe:**
- **Symbolism:** The Fyfield tree serves as a
potent symbol of continuity and endurance. It - **Symbolism:** The shepherd's pipe,
represents the constancy of nature amidst the mentioned in the poem, represents art, creativity,
changing human world. The fact that the tree is still and the enduring power of poetic expression. It is a
standing while other aspects of the landscape have symbol of the poet's ability to capture and
transformed underscores the enduring nature of immortalize moments in time.
certain elements.
- **Contribution to Meaning:** The shepherd's
- **Contribution to Meaning:** The Fyfield tree pipe reflects Arnold's belief in the redemptive
becomes a touchstone for the speaker, a visual power of art. Despite the changes in the external
reminder of the unchanging beauty and permanence world, the pipe remains a source of solace and
of nature. It contrasts with the ephemeral nature of continuity, emphasizing the role of poetry in
human life and relationships, contributing to the preserving memories and emotions.
elegiac tone of the poem.
Overall, these symbolic elements collectively
2. **Wytham Flats:** contribute to the elegiac and reflective mood of
"Thyrsis." They allow Arnold to explore themes of
- **Symbolism:** The Wytham flats symbolize transience, loss, and the enduring power of nature
the passage of time and the inevitable changes that and art in the face of human mortality. The symbols
occur. They were once a place of vibrant beauty, enhance the depth and resonance of the poem,
and their alteration reflects the transient nature of inviting readers to contemplate the
life and memory. interconnectedness of life and the natural world.
- **Contribution to Meaning:** The Analyze the structure of "Thyrsis," particularly
transformation of the Wytham flats becomes a the use of temporal shifts. How do these shifts
poignant metaphor for the passing of time and the contribute to the narrative and thematic
alterations that occur in the world. It contributes to development of the poem?
the overarching theme of loss and change,
emphasizing the temporal nature of human Certainly! In "Thyrsis," Matthew Arnold employs a
existence. distinctive structure characterized by temporal
shifts, which play a crucial role in shaping the
3. **Nature's Elements:** narrative and thematic development of the poem.
- **Symbolism:** Various elements of nature, 1. **Temporal Layering:**
such as flowers, trees, and the river, symbolize
different facets of the human experience. For - **Description:** The poem is structured with
example, the flowers represent the fleeting beauty temporal layers, seamlessly weaving together past
of life, while the river symbolizes the continuous and present. It begins with the speaker's immediate
flow of time. surroundings, shifts to memories of the past, and
then returns to the present.
- **Contribution to Meaning:** These natural
elements contribute to the elegiac atmosphere of the
 Thyrsis
- **Contribution to Narrative:** This temporal - **Contribution to Narrative and Thematic
layering allows Arnold to create a multi- Development:** The cyclical temporal structure
dimensional narrative. The shifts in time mirror the reinforces the poem's thematic exploration of the
speaker's reflective and contemplative mood as he eternal recurrence of nature and the persistent,
revisits both the recent and distant past. The poem though changed, beauty of the landscape. It adds a
becomes a canvas where the speaker paints a layer of philosophical reflection on the continuity
comprehensive picture of his experiences. within the cycles of life and death.

2. **Memory and Loss:** In summary, the temporal shifts in "Thyrsis"

contribute significantly to both the narrative and
- **Description:** The temporal shifts often thematic dimensions of the poem. By seamlessly
involve the speaker reminiscing about the past, moving between past and present, Arnold creates a
recalling moments shared with Thyrsis, and rich tapestry of reflections, memories, and
lamenting the changes that have occurred over time. contemplations, allowing readers to engage with the
- **Contribution to Thematic Development:** By complexities of time, loss, and the enduring aspects
moving between past and present, Arnold explores of the natural and human world.
the theme of memory and its relationship to loss.
The recollections of the speaker contribute to the
elegiac tone of the poem, emphasizing the
inevitability of change and the transient nature of
human experiences.

3. **Elegiac Tone and Reflection:**

- **Description:** The shifts in time serve as a

mechanism for the speaker to reflect on the passage
of time, the loss of his friend Thyrsis, and the
changing landscape.

- **Contribution to Narrative and Thematic

Development:** These temporal shifts contribute to
the elegiac tone by allowing the speaker to mourn
not only the loss of a specific individual but also the
broader changes in the natural and human
landscape. The structure enhances the poem's
meditative quality as the speaker contemplates
themes of mortality, friendship, and the enduring
power of art.

4. **Cyclical Nature of Time:**

- **Description:** The poem's structure also

reflects the cyclical nature of time, with references
to seasons, natural elements, and recurring events.