Youth's Agitations by Matthew Arnold

Name: Youth's Agitations
Author: Matthew Arnold

The poem explores the complex relationship between youth and maturity, reflecting on the inevitable passage of time and the contrasting emotions associated with different life stages. The speaker anticipates a future where they will look back on their youthful experiences with nostalgia, despite the turmoil and restlessness that characterize that period. Initially, there is a sense of relief at the thought of leaving behind the chaotic passions of youth, which are described as "tedious" and "vain." The speaker envisions a more stable and content existence in maturity, free from the emotional upheaval that youth brings. However, this perspective shifts as the speaker acknowledges that, with the passage of time, they will come to appreciate the intensity and fervor of their younger years. The poem captures the irony of human experience: while youth is often viewed as a time of struggle and discontent, it is also filled with vitality and a sense of purpose. The speaker recognizes that the very qualities they wish to escape—agitation, desire, and discontent—are also what make life rich and meaningful. In maturity, they foresee a longing for the passionate engagement of youth, realizing that the struggles of that time fostered growth and depth. Ultimately, the work reflects on the universal theme of discontent, suggesting that it is a shared experience across all ages. The speaker concludes that both youth and age are marked by a sense of longing, indicating that fulfillment is elusive regardless of one's stage in life. The poem serves as a meditation on the cyclical nature of desire and the human condition, emphasizing that each phase of life carries its own challenges and rewards.

By Matthew Arnold · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Literature · 163 words

First lines

When I shall be divorced, some ten years hence, / From this poor present self which I am now; / When youth has done its tedious vain expense / Of passions that for ever ebb and flow; / Shall I not joy youth's heats are left behind, / And breathe more happy in an even clime?

Ah no! for then I shall begin to find / A thousand virtues in this hated time.

Then I shall wish its agitations back, / And all its thwarting currents of desire; / Then I shall praise the heat which then I lack, / And call this hurrying fever, generous fire, / And sigh that one thing only has been lent / To youth and age in common -- discontent.

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Youth's Agitations 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: Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Literature, Lyric, Existentialism
Length: 163 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional expression and aesthetic form.
Romanticism — The themes of youth, passion, and reflection on life align with Romantic ideals.
Philosophical Literature — The text explores deep questions about existence, youth, and the nature of desire.
Lyric — The personal and introspective nature of the poem emphasizes individual feelings and thoughts.