Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Written in Emerson's Essays" by Matthew Arnold serves as a compelling literary dialogue with Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophies, expressing both admiration and critique. The poem acts as a vehicle through which Arnold ponders the reception of Emerson's ideas, particularly the elevation of individual will and spiritual freedom.

The poem starts with a lament, addressing the world as "Monstrous, dead, unprofitable," perhaps suggesting that the world is unable to appreciate the wisdom that Emerson offers. "A voice oracular hath peal'd to-day," Arnold writes, almost certainly referring to Emerson's essays, which were revolutionary in their optimistic emphasis on individuality and spiritual self-reliance. The banner unfurled of the "hero" could be emblematic of the bold new path of individual freedom that Emerson advocates. Yet Arnold asks: "Hast thou no lip for welcome?" He is dismayed that the world remains largely indifferent to what he perceives as a monumental moment of intellectual and spiritual unveiling.

The phrase "Man after man, the world smil'd and pass'd by" encapsulates this indifference, but the following line adds nuance: "A smile of wistful incredulity." This suggests that the world does not merely ignore the wisdom but regards it with a kind of skeptical nostalgia. Arnold captures a collective sentiment that wants to believe but finds it hard to do so-a "smile" tinged with sadness and disbelief, as though Emerson's ideas are too good to be true or too archaic for a modern, disenchanted world.

Then Arnold's tone shifts from dismay to a nuanced critique. He describes the world's reaction as "Scornful, and strange, and sorrowful; and full / Of bitter knowledge." Here the poem departs from mere lamentation to confront the complexities of Emerson's philosophy. Emerson's ideas, revolutionary and liberating as they may be, may also feel detached from the world's harsh realities. The "bitter knowledge" might refer to the suffering, hardships, and inequalities that a philosophy solely centered around individual will and soul might inadvertently overlook.

However, Arnold's critique is not an outright dismissal but rather an urge for complexity. The lines "Yet the Will is free: / Strong is the Soul, and wise, and beautiful" nod in agreement with Emerson's philosophy. Arnold affirms the existence of "godlike power" within us and states, "Gods are we, Bards, Saints, Heroes, if we will." He acknowledges the empowering essence of Emerson's ideas but subtly calls for a more grounded approach to this empowerment.

The poem concludes with a rhetorical challenge: "Dumb judges, answer, truth or mockery?" This invites readers to engage critically with Emerson's philosophy and, by extension, with the cultural and philosophical narratives that shape our understanding of freedom, will, and individuality.

In summary, Arnold's "Written in Emerson's Essays" is a richly layered poetic commentary. It navigates between admiration and critique, urging a more nuanced understanding of Emerson's celebration of the individual soul. This poetic dialogue underlines the importance of critical engagement with philosophical ideas, especially those that promise liberation and empowerment, reminding us to consider their real-world implications.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...