Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1972. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--University of Illinois. / Photocopy (positive) made by University Microfilms. Vita. Bibliography: leaves 362-375.

Matthew Arnold's literary criticism has recently been recognized as exhibiting a "controlled oscillation" between various antithetical points of view. This thesis analyzes these points of view, shows how Arnold sometimes succeeded in reconciling these opposites, and then goes on to show that Eliot's literary criticism can be analyzed in the same way. Eliot and Arnold are shown to be both classic and romantic critics; that is, broadly speaking, to judge both by rules and by individual impressions. These antithetical limits are partially, but not entirely synthesized. Next, analysis of Arnold's criticism leads to the conclusion that Arnold usually judged literature by the moral ideas it expressed, but that the ideas were inextricably involved with their literary form. Eliot finds judgment by idea distasteful because of his commitment to Church of England dogma, but also tends, although with less success, toward the synthesis achieved by Arnold. Another set of antithetical viewpoints held by Arnold and Eliot are those of the disinterested critic vs. the social advocate. Again, a partial resolution is suggested. Close similarity between the two critics' views on the tradition is demonstrated, but an opposing progressive element in both men's thought is also revealed. However, the two categories are shown to be not mutually exclusive. Finally, the style and critical method of Arnold and Eliot is analyzed and is seen to exhibit antithetical tendencies. Both critics alternate between tones of persuasiveness and exhibitions of tactlessness. Both methods reveal a combination of analysis and dogmatism, although Eliot's dogmatism is always admitted to be personal opinion. Neither Arnold nor Eliot attack a critical problem from the same viewpoint at all times; they are pragmatic critics who will try any method that seems to work best at the moment. / Arts, Faculty of / English, Department of / Graduate

Matthew Arnold's five long poems were published between 1852 and 1867. In these poems (Empedocles on Etna, Tristram and Iseult, Sohrab and Rustum, Balder Dead and Merope) Arnold tries to analyze a number of themes, like nature, moral values, poetics, and the place of authority in society. His analysis is dialectical, and one notices great distress and an inability to resolve these issues. This thesis examines Arnold's confusion, as well as his eventual calm acceptance of life in all its contradictions. It concludes subsequently that Arnold has a genuine desire to find personal dialectical syntheses where possible.

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Thesis--Western Reserve University. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2007. / Full text release at OhioLINK's ETD Center delayed at author's request

This thesis examines the evidences of pessimism in the poetry of each poet, substantiated when possible by parallel prose writings and other critical and biographical material; and finally, it reaches tentative conclusions about the direction of the change in pessimistic outlook of three poets.

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