Author: Matthew Arnold

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    O monstrous, dead, unprofitable world,
    That thou canst hear, and hearing, hold thy way.
    A voice oracular hath peald to-day,
    To-day a heros banner is unfurld.
    Hast thou no lip for welcome? So I said.
    Man after man, the world smild and passd by:
    A smile of wistful incredulity
    As though one spike of noise unto the dead:
    Scornful, and strange, and sorrowful; and full
    Of bitter knowledge. Yet the Will is free:
    Strong is the Soul, and wise, and beautiful:
    The seeds of godlike power are in us still:
    Gods are we, Bards, Saints, Heroes, if we will.
    Dumb judges, answer, truth or mockery

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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 potent exploration of the human condition, dealing with themes such as disillusionment, freedom of will, human potential, and the search for truth and self-realization. The speaker addresses a world perceived as monstrous and dead, questioning its indifference and silence. This sets a tone of frustration and dissatisfaction, perhaps even despair.

The poem's structure reflects a shift from despair to self-empowerment. Initially, the speaker depicts a world unresponsive to heroism and divine voices, evoking a sense of scorn, sorrow, and bitter knowledge. The use of paradox in the phrase "wistful incredulity" underscores the world's indifference. As the poem progresses, however, it transitions into a more assertive and hopeful tone. The speaker asserts the freedom of will and the inherent godlike power in humans, asserting that they can become bards, saints, and heroes by their own will. This shift is an important literary device, serving to underscore the poem's primary theme of human potential and self-determination.

The closing lines pose a challenge to the "Dumb judges," presumably a metaphor for those who dismiss or underestimate human potential, asking them to discern between truth and mockery. This gives the poem a provocative ending, leaving readers to reflect on their own perceptions of human potential and the power of self-determination.