Persons by Matthew Arnold (1885)
The narrative unfolds on Mount Etna, where the central character, a philosopher named Empedocles, grapples with existential despair and the burdens of his past. The work begins with Callicles, a young harp-player, who admires the beauty of the mountain and reflects on Empedocles' troubled state. He is joined by Pausanias, a physician and friend of Empedocles, who expresses concern for their companion's mental health, suggesting that Empedocles is consumed by his exile and brooding over his wrongs. As the story progresses, Empedocles reveals his inner turmoil, feeling disconnected from humanity and burdened by the weight of his wisdom. He longs for a return to the elements, seeking solace in nature rather than in human company. The dialogue between Empedocles and Pausanias explores themes of knowledge, suffering, and the human condition, with Empedocles lamenting the limitations of human understanding and the relentless pursuit of happiness. Callicles, who admires Empedocles, wishes to help him but is cautioned by Pausanias to remain hidden, as Empedocles is in a fragile state. The narrative shifts to Empedocles' reflections on life, the nature of existence, and the struggle between the mind and the elements. He contemplates the futility of human desires and the inevitability of death, expressing a desire to merge with the elemental forces of nature. In a climactic moment, Empedocles decides to embrace his fate, seeking to dissolve into the volcanic fire of Etna, symbolizing a return to the primal elements. His final act is a rejection of the superficiality of human life and a quest for unity with the universe. The work concludes with a sense of unresolved tension, as Empedocles' fate remains ambiguous, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of existence, the search for meaning, and the interplay between the individual and the cosmos.
By Matthew Arnold · First published 1885 · Genre: Drama, Philosophical, Tragedy · 11,950 words
First lines
Empedocles Pausanias, a Physician Callicles, a young Harp-player The Scene of the Poem is on Mount Etna; at first in the forest region, afterwards on the summit of the mountain.
Act I
What this Textopian page supports
Persons is listed on Textopian as a novel by Matthew Arnold, dated 1885 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Matthew Arnold
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Philosophical, Tragedy, Lyric Poetry, Historical Fiction
- Length: 11,950 words
- Structure: 1 section, 360 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Drama — The work is structured as a play with dialogue and scenes, focusing on character interactions and emotional conflicts.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep philosophical questions about existence, the nature of the soul, and the human condition.
- Tragedy — The protagonist, Empedocles, faces existential despair and ultimately seeks to escape his suffering, embodying tragic elements.
- Lyric Poetry — The text features lyrical passages and poetic language, particularly in the character's reflections and speeches.
Tags
Philosophy · Literary Criticism · Poetry · Victorian Era · English Literature · Human Nature · Identity · Self-Discovery · Existentialism · Psychology · Society · Culture