Author: Matthew Arnold

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    Not in sunk Spains prolongd death agony;
    Not in rich England, bent but to make pour
    The flood of the worlds commerce on her shore;
    Not in that madhouse, France, from whence the cry
    Afflicts grave Heaven with its long senseless roar;
    Not in American vulgarity,
    Nor wordy German imbecility
    Lies any hope of heroism more.
    Hungarians! Save the world! Renew the stories
    Of men who against hope repelld the chain,
    And make the worlds dead spirit leap again
    On land renew that Greek exploit, whose glories
    Hallow the Salaminian promontories,
    And the Armada flung to the fierce main

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem presents a fascinating critique of various countries and cultures, ultimately expressing a yearning for heroism and a call for renewal. The first half of the poem uses a litany of negative depictions of countries: England is described as selfishly bent on commerce, France as a madhouse, America as vulgar, and Germany as imbecilic. The concise, harsh criticisms establish a tone of disappointment and dissatisfaction, reflecting the speaker's pessimistic view of the world's current state.

In contrast, the second half of the poem hails Hungarians as potential saviors of this dire situation. The speaker implores them to "Save the world! Renew the stories" and to spark a revival of the heroic spirit. This shift in tone from negative to hopeful is a striking structural element, further underscored by historical references to Greek exploits and the Armada. The poem thus presents a striking juxtaposition between perceived global decay and the potential for heroic resurgence. Notably, the poem employs the literary device of apostrophe, directly addressing Hungarians, which adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to the speaker's plea for change.