On the Modern Element in Literature is the inaugural
lecture of Mathew Arnold delivered as a professor of poetry at Oxford in the
year 1857. In this essay, he shows us how an age can rise above the false
ideology of modernism by strictly following the rich convention of the past,
especially those of ancient Greece. Tormented by the growing materialism in the
name of modernity and advancement, of his age, Arnold did attempt to measure
the true direction of modernity.
Arnold lays down the characteristics which are the
features of a modern age. He begins his lecture stressing the true meaning of
moral and intellectual deliverance, which, he believes can be achieved through
a simultaneous appreciation of past and present. Subsequently, he refers to
both external and internal features that make an age truly modern.
The basic feature of an advanced civilization is to
free its denizens from fear of wars and battles. It is not that they should
completely be stopped, as it is hardly possible, it should not be allowed to
affect the daily intercourse of life. The citizens should feel free from the
danger of violence. Crime and political confrontations will persist but they
should be confined within a strict limit so that peace in the community
persists. And above all there should hardly be any individual considering
himself above and beyond law. In fact, in modern society, a harmonious
existence of freedom and taste, are allowed to be cultivated uninterrupted. The
presence of this sort of peace in society brings about order and serves
immediately in social growth.
The internal feature, contributive to the true concept
of modernity, according to Arnold, is intellectual in nature. It is the growth
of a tolerant spirit – a liberal co-existence of different views and opinions.
This spirit not only helps escape chaos but also contributes to develop
knowledge and wisdom. It ends all the petty conflicts and contradictions in
society and ensures the idea of plurality.
Before explaining the supreme characteristics of a
modern age, Arnold stresses on the need of the formation of good culture and
taste and capacity as well as the scope for refined pursuits. Moreover, the
advanced civilization ensures various conveniences of life and a better
standard of living without neglecting the true importance of art and
literature. It is true factors that ensures the intellectual maturity in man
which to him, the most precious quality of a modern age. This comes with the
growth of power of observation, possession of a critical spirit and the refusal
to take things on authority. It implies no blind imitation but encourages
appropriate judgement by the application of reason and rationality.
Arnold finds presence of enough factors of a modern
age in ancient Athens – in the age of Pericles. They as reported by Thucydides,
left the habit of wearing arms. A spirit of tolerance, in abundance, was
present in their society. They did not object frequently to the taste and opinions
as opposed theirs – in fact, encouraged a parallel study of diversity to acquire
knowledge. Moreover they had enough convenience and leisure of life but had the
cultural nourishment not to overuse them.
Above all they demonstrated the supreme growth of
critical spirit which could be traced in their rational arrangement and
thoughtful appreciation of different facts.
Arnold’s own positive and critical temper has been
fostered by an appreciation of the progress brought on by science and true
conception of culture. Hence it was not unusual for him to adopt a realistic
attitude and at the same time to cast many a lingering look behind, to find a
remedy for the ever recurring struggle between the old order and the modern
spirit.
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