A Picture at Newstead
The poem reflects on the emotional weight of a painting depicting a tragic moment between a father and his son. The speaker is initially drawn to the legacy of a famous poet but finds deeper resonance in the sorrowful image of a father who, in a moment of anger, causes irreversible harm to his child. The painting captures the father's regret and the child's lost potential, emphasizing the profound tragedy of familial relationships and the consequences of impulsive actions. The stark contrast between the father's imposing figure and the child's vacant expression highlights the themes of remorse, loss, and the haunting nature of guilt. The speaker suggests that this personal tragedy surpasses even the grand, public suffering associated with the poet, illustrating how intimate, familial pain can evoke a more profound emotional response. The work ultimately explores the complexities of love, responsibility, and the lasting impact of one's actions on loved ones.
By Matthew Arnold · First published 1852 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism · 166 words
First lines
What made my heart, at Newstead, fullest swell? --
'Twas not the thought of Byron, of his cry Stormily sweet, his Titan agony; It was the sight of that Lord Arundel Who struck, in heat, the child he loved so well, And his child's reason flicker'd, and did die.
Painted (he will'd it) in the gallery They hang; the picture doth the story tell.
Behold the stern, mail'd father, staff in hand!
What this Textopian page supports
A Picture at Newstead is listed on Textopian as a poem by Matthew Arnold, dated 1852 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Matthew Arnold
- Date: 1852 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romanticism, Tragedy, Historical
- Length: 166 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of deep emotion and individual experience align with Romantic literary ideals.
- Tragedy — The poem explores themes of loss, remorse, and the tragic consequences of actions.
Tags
English Literature · 19th Century · Poetry · Romanticism · Nature · Imagination · Memory · Nostalgia · Historical Fiction · Biographical · Autobiographical · Coming of Age