Mathew Arnold (1822-1888) was an eminent English poet and cultural critic, renowned for his works in the Victorian era. He significantly influenced literary and educational reform with his critical essays and profound poetry.

Biography

Field	Details
Full Name	Mathew Arnold
Birth Date	December 24, 1822
Death Date	April 15, 1888
Nationality	British
Profession	Poet, Cultural Critic
Notable Works	“Dover Beach”, “Culture and Anarchy”
Education	Rugby School, Balliol College, Oxford
Father	Thomas Arnold
Legacy	Considered one of the most significant Victorian poets and critics

Early Life

Mathew Arnold, a prominent figure in the literary world, was born on December 24, 1822, in Laleham, Middlesex, England. He was the eldest son of Thomas Arnold, a well-known headmaster of Rugby School, and Mary Penrose Arnold. Mathew spent his early years in the serene village of Laleham, where he was raised in an intellectually stimulating environment. In 1828, the Arnold family moved to Rugby when Thomas Arnold was appointed the headmaster. This move to Rugby proved to be influential in shaping Mathew’s academic and literary pursuits. He later attended Rugby School and went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, where he developed his poetic and critical voice, eventually becoming one of the leading poets and cultural critics of the Victorian era.

Family

Relation	Name	Information
Father	Thomas Arnold	Thomas Arnold was a renowned educator and historian, best known as the headmaster of Rugby School. His reforms and educational philosophy had a significant influence on British education.
Mother	Mary Penrose Arnold	Mary Penrose Arnold was known for her devout religious faith and strong moral values. She played a crucial role in the upbringing and moral development of her children.
Sibling	Tom Arnold	Tom Arnold was Mathew Arnold’s younger brother, who followed in their father’s footsteps and became a literary scholar and critic.
Sibling	William Delafield Arnold	William Delafield Arnold was another of Mathew Arnold’s brothers, who served as a colonial administrator in India and later wrote novels.
Sibling	Edward Penrose Arnold	Edward Penrose Arnold was Mathew Arnold’s brother who pursued a career in the church, becoming a notable clergyman.

Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements

Measurement	Value
Height	Unknown
Weight	Unknown
Chest Size	Unknown
Waist Size	Unknown
Hip Size	Unknown
Shoe Size	Unknown

Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend

Mathew Arnold is currently married to Frances Lucy Wightman. They tied the knot on June 10, 1851. Frances, often referred to as “Fanny,” was the daughter of Sir William Wightman, a judge of the Queen’s Bench. The couple had a harmonious marriage and were blessed with six children. Frances was known for her support of Mathew’s literary career and her involvement in various social causes.

As of the available historical records, there are no documented previous relationships or significant romantic involvements before his marriage to Frances Lucy Wightman.

Summary Of Relationships

Name	Relationship Type	Details
Frances Lucy Wightman	Wife	Married on June 10, 1851, with six children

There is no further information available about other wives, girlfriends, or significant romantic relationships in Mathew Arnold’s life.

Career, Achievements And Controversies

Matthew Arnold, a prominent figure in the literary world, became famous primarily due to his poetry and critical essays. His works often explored themes of nature, society, and the human condition, resonating with many readers and scholars. His critical essays, in particular, established him as a leading literary critic of his time.

Matthew Arnold began his career as a poet and literary critic in the mid-19th century. He initially gained recognition with his poetry, which was marked by a reflective and often melancholic tone. Some of his popular works include:

• Poetry:
  • “Dover Beach” (1867)
  • “The Scholar-Gipsy” (1853)
  • “Thyrsis” (1866)
• Prose:
  • Essays in Criticism (1865)
  • Culture and Anarchy (1869)
  • Literature and Dogma (1873)

Matthew Arnold’s contributions to literature were widely recognized, though formal awards were not as prevalent during his time as they are today. However, he did receive various academic honors and positions, including:

• Appointed as the Professor of Poetry at Oxford University (1857-1867)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature

Matthew Arnold was not without his share of controversies. Some of the notable issues include:

• Criticism of Contemporary Society: Arnold’s work Culture and Anarchy critiqued the materialism and moral decay he perceived in Victorian society. His views were considered controversial and sparked considerable debate.
• Religious Views: In Literature and Dogma, Arnold challenged traditional Christian doctrines, advocating for a more rational and humanistic interpretation of religion. This position alienated him from more orthodox religious circles.
• Critique of Other Authors: Arnold was known for his frank and sometimes harsh criticism of other poets and writers, including contemporaries like Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning. His critical stance often led to disputes within the literary community.

Matthew Arnold remains a significant figure in English literature, remembered for his profound poetry and influential literary criticism. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their intellectual depth and cultural critique, despite the controversies that surrounded his career.

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