THE SCHOLAR GIPSY - MATTHEW ARNOLD

 THE SCHOLAR GIPSY – MATTHEW ARNOLD

 

“THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” is a thought provoking and melancholic poem written by Matthew Arnold in the year 1853 of 19^th century. The poem revolves around the intriguing and mythical figure of the “Scholar Gipsy”, a wandering scholar of great wisdom and intellect who belongs to the Romani (gipsy) Community.

 

The setting of the poem “THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” is the Oxford countryside, where the narrator learns about the existence of the Scholar Gipsy from a local shepherd. The Scholar Gipsy was once a diligent and studious oxford student who decided to forsake traditional academic pursuits for a simpler and more profound way of learning. He leaves the confines of the academic world, seeking knowledge and wisdom from nature and the open road.

 

Arnold portrays the character of the Scholar Gipsy as a symbol of the pursuit of knowledge beyond the confines of formal education. He suggests that the traditional scholastic environment may not always be the ideal place to find true wisdom and enlightenment. Instead, the Scholar Gipsy represents the idea that knowledge can be found in the untamed and unexplored aspects of life, away from the trappings of conventional society.  

 

The poem blends elements of nature, nostalgia, and existential contemplation, presenting a wistful narrative of a life devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. The “THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” becomes an embodiment of a romanticized and idyllic existence, living on the fringes of society while seeking a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries.

 

Arnold’s “THE SCHOLAR GIPSY” raises questions about the value of formal education, the allure of the unknown, and the potential rewards of an unconventional life dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom. The poem’s introspective and contemplative tone leaves readers reflecting on the nature of knowledge, the choices we make in our lives, and the eternal quest for enlightenment.

 

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