Author: Matthew Arnold

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Even in a palace, life may be led well!
So spake the imperial sage, purest of men,
Marcus Aurelius. But the stifling den
Of common life, where, crowded up pell-mell,
Our freedom for a little bread we sell,
And drudge under some foolish master's ken
Who rates us if we peer outside our pen,
Match'd with a palace, is not this a hell?
Even in a palace! On his truth sincere,
Who spoke these words, no shadow ever came;
And when my ill-school'd spirit is aflame
Some nobler, ampler stage of life to win,
I'll stop, and say: "There were no succour here!
The aids to noble life are all within."

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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 is a reflective exploration on the themes of freedom, dignity, and inner strength. The poet uses the historical figure of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor known for his philosophical insights, to establish the argument that a well-led life is possible anywhere, even in a palace. The palace here is symbolic of luxury and abundance, contrasting the "stifling den/ Of common life," which signifies the hardships and drudgery of ordinary existence.

The tone of the poem is contemplative and somewhat defiant, with the speaker questioning the value of physical circumstances and external conditions in determining the quality of life. The poet employs a tightly structured rhyme scheme and meter to convey this thoughtful meditation. The use of the term "hell" to describe the mundanity and restriction of common life is a powerful metaphor that underscores the poem's argument about the importance of inner resources over material wealth or status.

The concluding lines of the poem affirm the idea that the "aids to noble life are all within," suggesting that true nobility and fulfillment are derived from inner strength and self-determination, rather than external circumstances. This assertion also points to the Stoic philosophy associated with Marcus Aurelius, which emphasizes the importance of personal virtue and inner resilience. The poem, therefore, serves as an encouragement to its readers to seek freedom and fulfillment within themselves, regardless of their external circumstances.