Written in Butler's Sermons by Matthew Arnold

Name: Written in Butler's Sermons
Author: Matthew Arnold

The work explores the complexities of human nature, emphasizing the interplay between various elements such as affections, instincts, principles, and powers. It critiques the tendency of individuals to dissect and analyze life, suggesting that such efforts are ultimately futile. The text presents a vision of a unified human nature, likening it to a majestic entity that transcends the fragmented understanding often imposed by rational thought. The author illustrates the idea that beneath the surface of human experience lies a profound and interconnected foundation, akin to a vast ocean with hidden depths. This unity is depicted through metaphors of islands and peaks, symbolizing the diverse yet interconnected aspects of existence. The imagery evokes a sense of grandeur and continuity, suggesting that life operates within a larger, harmonious framework that is often obscured by human attempts to categorize and control it. The work further delves into the tension between impulse and reason, freedom and control, positing that these dualities are essential to understanding the human condition. It argues for the recognition of a deeper, intrinsic unity that binds individuals together, despite their apparent differences. This perspective encourages a holistic view of life, advocating for an appreciation of the underlying connections that shape human experience. Ultimately, the text serves as a meditation on the nature of existence, urging readers to embrace the complexity of life rather than reduce it to simplistic analyses. It calls for a recognition of the beauty and intricacy of the human experience, inviting a deeper engagement with the mysteries of life that lie beyond rational comprehension.

By Matthew Arnold · First published 1885 · Genre: Philosophical Poetry, Religious Literature, Lyric Poetry · 158 words

First lines

Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, / Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control --

So men, unravelling God's harmonious whole, / Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.

Vain labour! Deep and broad, where none may see, / Spring the foundations of the shadowy throne / Where man's one Nature, queen-like, sits alone, / Centred in a majestic unity; / And rays her powers, like sister islands, seen / Linking their coral arms under the sea: / Or cluster'd peaks, with plunging gulfs between / Spann'd by aerial arches, all of gold, / Whereo'er the chariot wheels of Life are roll'd / In cloudy circles, to eternity.

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Written in Butler's Sermons is listed on Textopian as an essay by Matthew Arnold, dated 1885 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Matthew Arnold
Date: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Poetry, Religious Literature, Lyric Poetry, Metaphysical Poetry, Sermon
Length: 158 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs

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Genres

Philosophical Poetry — The work explores deep themes of existence, nature, and the human condition, characteristic of philosophical poetry.
Religious Literature — The title and content suggest a focus on spiritual and moral themes, aligning it with religious literature.
Lyric Poetry — The expressive and emotional style of the writing fits the conventions of lyric poetry.
Metaphysical Poetry — The exploration of abstract concepts and the nature of reality aligns with metaphysical poetry.