Self-Dependence

Matthew Arnold

1822 to 1888

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Matthew Arnold's Self-Dependence

Introduction

Matthew Arnold's poem "Self-Dependence" stands as a profound exploration of existential angst and the quest for inner peace in the face of life's tumultuous journey. Composed during the Victorian era, a period marked by rapid social change and growing religious doubt, Arnold's work reflects the intellectual and emotional turmoil of his time. This essay delves into the intricate layers of "Self-Dependence," examining its thematic richness, formal structure, and philosophical underpinnings to elucidate Arnold's masterful articulation of the human condition and his proposed path to spiritual equilibrium.

Thematic Analysis

At its core, "Self-Dependence" grapples with the fundamental question of human identity and purpose. The opening lines, "Weary of myself, and sick of asking / What I am, and what I ought to be," immediately plunge the reader into the narrator's existential crisis. This state of ennui and self-doubt resonates deeply with the Victorian zeitgeist, characterized by a growing sense of disillusionment with traditional sources of meaning and authority.

Arnold ingeniously employs the metaphor of a sea voyage to represent life's journey, with the narrator standing "At this vessel's prow," facing the unknown future. The imagery of the "starlit sea" evokes both the vastness of the universe and the depth of human consciousness, setting the stage for the poem's exploration of the relationship between the individual and the cosmos.

The central theme of self-reliance emerges through the dialogue between the narrator and the personified natural elements—the stars and the sea. These entities serve as symbols of constancy and self-sufficiency, qualities the narrator desperately seeks. The repeated invocation, "ye who from my childhood up have calm'd me," suggests a lifelong search for stability and inner peace, highlighting the enduring nature of the human quest for self-understanding.

Formal Structure and Poetic Devices

Arnold's mastery of form is evident in the poem's structure, which consists of seven quatrains followed by a concluding couplet. This organization mirrors the progression of the narrator's thoughts, from initial despair to the final moment of epiphany. The regular rhyme scheme (ABAB) in the quatrains provides a sense of order and harmony, contrasting with the turbulent emotions expressed in the content.

The use of apostrophe, addressing inanimate objects and abstract concepts, is a key device throughout the poem. This rhetorical technique not only personifies nature but also emphasizes the narrator's deep yearning for connection and guidance. The repetition of "calm me" and "still" in the early stanzas underscores the urgency of the narrator's plea for inner tranquility.

Arnold's diction is carefully chosen to create a tone of both reverence and introspection. Words like "passionate," "mighty," and "intense" convey the fervor of the narrator's emotional state, while "calm," "compose," and "self-poised" represent the desired state of being. This juxtaposition of intense emotion and serene detachment is central to the poem's thematic tension.

Philosophical Implications

"Self-Dependence" engages with several philosophical concepts that were prominent in Victorian intellectual discourse. The notion of self-reliance echoes Ralph Waldo Emerson's transcendentalist philosophy, which emphasized individual potential and the importance of trusting one's inner voice. However, Arnold's approach is distinctly more nuanced, recognizing the challenge of achieving such self-reliance in a world of constant flux.

The poem also touches on the concept of stoicism, particularly in the description of the stars and sea as "Unaffrighted by the silence round them, / Undistracted by the sights they see." This portrayal of nature's indifference to external stimuli presents a model of equanimity that the narrator aspires to emulate. The line "For self-poised they live, nor pine with noting / All the fever of some differing soul" encapsulates the stoic ideal of emotional self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, Arnold's work can be seen as a response to the crisis of faith that characterized much of Victorian literature. The poem suggests that in the absence of traditional religious certainties, individuals must find meaning and purpose within themselves. This shift from external to internal sources of validation reflects the broader intellectual movement of the time towards secularism and individualism.

Symbolism and Imagery

The rich tapestry of symbols and images in "Self-Dependence" deserves close examination. The sea, a recurring motif in Arnold's poetry, represents both the vastness of existence and the fluidity of human consciousness. Its "long moon-silver'd roll" evokes a sense of timelessness and constancy, qualities the narrator seeks to emulate.

The stars, described as part of the "intense, clear, star-sown vault of heaven," symbolize permanence and steadfastness. Their unwavering presence in the night sky serves as a counterpoint to the narrator's internal turmoil. The contrast between the celestial and terrestrial realms underscores the tension between ideal and reality, a central concern in much of Victorian literature.

The vessel upon which the narrator stands can be interpreted as a metaphor for the self, navigating the uncertain waters of life. The forward motion of the ship ("Forwards, forwards, o'er the starlit sea") suggests progress and the inevitability of change, even as the narrator yearns for stability.

The Voice of Nature and Self-Discovery

A pivotal moment in the poem occurs when nature responds to the narrator's plea. The "air-born voice" that answers represents a moment of revelation, offering wisdom that the narrator has long sought. The advice to "Live as they" - referring to the stars and sea - encapsulates the poem's central message of self-reliance and inner calm.

This dialogue with nature can be seen as an internalized process of self-discovery. The voice, described as "long since, severely clear," suggests that this wisdom has always been present within the narrator, waiting to be acknowledged. This interpretation aligns with the Romantic notion of nature as a source of truth and enlightenment, accessible to those who approach it with an open heart and mind.

Conclusion

Matthew Arnold's "Self-Dependence" stands as a testament to the enduring human struggle for self-understanding and inner peace. Through its masterful blend of form and content, the poem articulates a philosophy of life that resonates far beyond its Victorian context. Arnold's vision of self-reliance, informed by stoic principles and transcendentalist thought, offers a compelling response to the existential challenges of modernity.

The poem's final couplet, "Resolve to be thyself; and know that he, / Who finds himself, loses his misery!" serves as both a conclusion and a call to action. It encapsulates the transformative power of self-knowledge and the liberating effect of embracing one's authentic self. In an age of uncertainty and rapid change, Arnold's message of inner strength and self-sufficiency continues to offer solace and inspiration.

Ultimately, "Self-Dependence" is not merely a poetic meditation on existential questions but a profound exploration of the human condition. It challenges readers to confront their own doubts and anxieties, and to seek within themselves the resources for achieving spiritual equilibrium. In doing so, Arnold's work transcends its historical moment, speaking to the universal human yearning for meaning, purpose, and inner peace.