The Scholar Gipsy | Matthew Arnold | Study Guide

Author: Matthew Arnold

 

Year: 1853

 

Type: Poem

 

Genre: Narrative poem

 

About Title:

"The Scholar Gipsy" is a poem by Matthew Arnold, first published in 1853. The title refers to the central figure of the poem, the Scholar Gipsy, who is based on a legendary figure from Oxfordshire folklore.

 

Characters:

The Scholar Gipsy: The central figure of the poem, a scholarly wanderer who roams the countryside in search of knowledge and wisdom.

The speaker: The narrator of the poem, who recounts the story of the Scholar Gipsy and reflects on the nature of knowledge and the pursuit of truth.

Summary:

"The Scholar Gipsy" is a narrative poem written by Matthew Arnold, first published in 1853 as part of his collection "Poems." The poem is based on a story from Oxfordshire folklore about a scholar who abandoned his studies to join a group of Romani (Gypsy) wanderers.

In the poem, the speaker recounts the story of the scholar gipsy, who was once a student at Oxford University but became disillusioned with the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom within the confines of academia. Seeking a more authentic and fulfilling way of life, the scholar gipsy decides to leave Oxford and wander the countryside with the Romani.

The speaker reflects on the scholar gipsy's decision and the contrast between the traditional pursuit of knowledge through formal education and the scholar gipsy's unconventional path of seeking wisdom through experience and communion with nature.

Throughout the poem, the speaker marvels at the scholar gipsy's courage and wisdom, admiring his ability to find meaning and fulfillment outside the constraints of society's expectations. The scholar gipsy becomes a symbol of the human desire for freedom, adventure, and spiritual enlightenment.

"The Scholar Gipsy" is a meditation on the tension between tradition and innovation, conformity and rebellion, and the search for meaning and truth in a changing world. Arnold's poem celebrates the power of individuality and the pursuit of personal authenticity, while also acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices that come with forging one's own path.

 

Symbols:

The Scholar Gipsy: Symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, as well as the desire for intellectual and spiritual enlightenment.

Nature: Represents the beauty and mystery of the natural world, as well as the source of inspiration and insight for the Scholar Gipsy.

Themes:

Knowledge and Wisdom: Explores the themes of knowledge, wisdom, and the pursuit of truth, as the Scholar Gipsy seeks enlightenment through his wanderings and encounters with nature.

Freedom and Conformity: Examines the tension between individual freedom and societal expectations, as the Scholar Gipsy chooses to abandon the confines of academia in favor of a life of wandering and contemplation.

Nature and Spirituality: Reflects on the connection between nature and the spiritual realm, as the Scholar Gipsy finds solace and inspiration in the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.

Alienation and Belonging: Considers the theme of alienation and belonging, as the Scholar Gipsy finds himself at odds with the conventional values and expectations of society but ultimately finds fulfillment in his quest for knowledge and truth.

Overall Discussion:

"The Scholar Gipsy" is a lyrical and reflective poem that celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom as a noble and worthy endeavor. Through its evocative imagery and contemplative tone, Arnold invites readers to join the Scholar Gipsy in his quest for truth and enlightenment, while also prompting them to reflect on their own values and priorities in life. The poem serves as a timeless meditation on the nature of knowledge, the beauty of the natural world, and the eternal quest for meaning and purpose in the human experience.