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Matthew Arnold: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 150 MCQs for Competitive Exams

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Objective English MCQs

Matthew Arnold: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 150 MCQs for Competitive Exams: Preparing for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL, or State PSC exams? Master Matthew Arnold, the Victorian poet and critic, with this guide! Explore his biography, works like Dover Beach, quotes such as “And we are here as on a darkling plain,” and 150 MCQs to ace your English literature prep.

Matthew Arnold portrait for UGC NET English literature

Portrait of Matthew Arnold, Victorian poet and critic (Public Domain)

Introduction to Matthew Arnold

Matthew Arnold (1822–1888), a leading Victorian poet, critic, and educator, is renowned for works like Dover Beach, Culture and Anarchy, and Thyrsis. His reflections on culture, faith, and modernity are essential for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL. This guide offers his biography, major works, 11 iconic quotes, and 150 MCQs for exam success.

Biographical Details

Full Name: Matthew Arnold
Age of Literature: Victorian (1837–1901)
Birth and Death: December 24, 1822 – April 15, 1888
Birthplace: Laleham, Middlesex, England
Parents: Thomas Arnold and Mary Penrose Arnold
Parents’ Profession: Thomas Arnold (headmaster, scholar); Mary Penrose Arnold (homemaker)
Spouse: Frances Lucy Wightman (m. 1851–1888)
Children: Six (Thomas, Trevenen, Richard, Lucy, Eleanore, Basil)
Siblings: Eight, including Tom Arnold

Born in Laleham, Arnold’s father, a headmaster at Rugby School, shaped his intellectual rigor, tested in JNUET. His role as a school inspector and critic influenced his works, relevant for NET.

Literary Journey

Arnold’s career began with *The Strayed Reveller* (1849), but Dover Beach (1867) and Culture and Anarchy (1869) cemented his fame. His critical essays redefined literary standards, studied in NET.

First Work: The Strayed Reveller (1849)
First Major Work: Poems (1853)
Major Milestone: Culture and Anarchy (1869)
Last Major Work: Discourses in America (1885)
Literary Circle: Tennyson, Browning, Clough

Exam Tip: Memorize Dover Beach (1867) and Arnold’s concept of “culture” for UGC NET and SET.

Major Works, Themes, and Famous Quotes

Arnold’s poetry and prose explore faith, culture, and modernity, as in “And we are here as on a darkling plain.” Essential for TGT, PGT, and MA English entrance.

Main Themes:
- Loss of Faith: Spiritual crisis in Dover Beach.
- Culture vs. Anarchy: Social order in Culture and Anarchy.
- Nature and Melancholy: Elegy in Thyrsis.
- Literary Criticism: Standards in Essays in Criticism.
Famous Works with Themes:
- The Strayed Reveller (1849): Poetry; mythological, introspective.
- Poems (1853): Poetry; includes Sohrab and Rustum, melancholy.
- Dover Beach (1867): Poem; loss of faith, modernity.
- Culture and Anarchy (1869): Prose; cultural critique, social order.
- Thyrsis (1866): Poem; pastoral elegy, friendship.
- Essays in Criticism (1865): Prose; literary standards, criticism.
Famous Quotes for Exams:
- “And we are here as on a darkling plain” – Dover Beach (NET, UPSC)
- “The sea of faith / Was once, too, at the full.” – Dover Beach (SET, PGT)
- “Culture is the pursuit of our total perfection.” – Culture and Anarchy (NET, JNUET)
- “Ah, love, let us be true / To one another!” – Dover Beach (CTET, TGT)
- “The best which has been thought and said.” – Culture and Anarchy (DUET, SET)
- “Wandering between two worlds, one dead.” – The Scholar-Gipsy (NET, PGT)
- “Rustling in the wind of night.” – Thyrsis (UPSC, CTET)
- “Poetry is the criticism of life.” – Essays in Criticism (NET, DUET)
- “Truth sits upon the lips of dying men.” – Sohrab and Rustum (SET)
- “The function of criticism is to see the object as it really is.” – Essays in Criticism (JNUET)
- “O strong soul, by what shore / Tarriest thou now?” – Rugby Chapel (NET, TGT)
Work That Brought Fame: Dover Beach (1867).

Arnold’s critique of Victorian society and poetic melancholy are tested for themes in NET. His prose is central to JNUET.

Exam Tip: Study Culture and Anarchy and Dover Beach for NET themes and memorize quotes like “The best which has been thought and said” for UPSC.

Pull Quote: “And we are here as on a darkling plain” – Matthew Arnold, Dover Beach

Awards and Recognition

Arnold received no major literary awards but was honored with:

Oxford Professorship: Professor of Poetry (1857–1867) (NET)
Honorary Degrees: Oxford, Edinburgh (SET)
Legacy: Arnold Society, memorials in Oxford (JNUET)

Key Facts for Competitive Exams

Tested in UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, UPSC, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL:

Poetic Style: Elegiac in Dover Beach (NET)
Critical Theory: Objectivity in Essays in Criticism (SET)
Cultural Philosophy: “Sweetness and light” in Culture and Anarchy (JNUET)
Influences: Goethe, Wordsworth (NET)
Imagery: Sea in Dover Beach (CTET)
Profession: School inspector (UPSC)
Form: Blank verse in Sohrab and Rustum (NET)

Critical Analysis and Lesser-Known Works

Arnold’s poetry is analyzed for its melancholy in The Scholar-Gipsy, tested in NET. Lesser-known works like Rugby Chapel explore legacy, studied in JNUET. His criticism is debated in SET.

Pull Quote: “Culture is the pursuit of our total perfection.” – Matthew Arnold, Culture and Anarchy

Historical Context and Modern Relevance

Arnold wrote during the Victorian era, amidst religious doubt and industrialization, reflected in Dover Beach, studied for UPSC. His cultural critique remains relevant in modern education, tested in JNUET. His style is taught in CTET.

Pull Quote: “The sea of faith / Was once, too, at the full.” – Matthew Arnold, Dover Beach

150 MCQs for Competitive Exams

Test your knowledge with these 150 MCQs, designed for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL:

What is Matthew Arnold’s full name?
A) Matthew Thomas Arnold B) Matthew Arnold C) Matthew James Arnold D) Matthew Edward Arnold
Answer: B) Matthew Arnold
Explanation: Basic fact for SSC CGL.
In which literary era did Arnold write?
A) Victorian B) Romantic C) Elizabethan D) Modern
Answer: A) Victorian
Explanation: 1837–1901 for NET.
Where was Arnold born?
A) Laleham B) Oxford C) London D) Rugby
Answer: A) Laleham
Explanation: Middlesex, 1822 for TGT.
Who was Arnold’s wife?
A) Frances Lucy Wightman B) Mary Penrose C) Elizabeth Barrett D) Jane Austen
Answer: A) Frances Lucy Wightman
Explanation: Married 1851 for DUET.
When did Arnold begin writing?
A) 1830s B) 1840s C) 1850s D) 1860s
Answer: B) 1840s
Explanation: The Strayed Reveller for SET.
Who was Arnold’s father?
A) Thomas Arnold B) William Arnold C) James Arnold D) John Arnold
Answer: A) Thomas Arnold
Explanation: Headmaster for JNUET.
What was Arnold’s mother’s profession?
A) Homemaker B) Teacher C) Writer D) Nurse
Answer: A) Homemaker
Explanation: Mary Penrose for DUET.
What was Arnold’s early education?
A) Rugby School B) Eton C) Harrow D) Home-schooled
Answer: A) Rugby School
Explanation: Father’s influence for NET.
How many children did Arnold have?
A) Six B) Four C) Two D) None
Answer: A) Six
Explanation: Thomas, Trevenen, etc. for UPSC.
How old was Arnold when he died?
A) 55 B) 65 C) 75 D) 85
Answer: B) 65
Explanation: Died 1888 for JNUET.
In which year was Arnold born?
A) 1812 B) 1822 C) 1832 D) 1842
Answer: B) 1822
Explanation: Birth record for SSC CGL.
When did Arnold die?
A) 1878 B) 1888 C) 1898 D) 1908
Answer: B) 1888
Explanation: Liverpool for TGT.
What was Arnold’s father’s profession?
A) Headmaster/scholar B) Lawyer C) Merchant D) Doctor
Answer: A) Headmaster/scholar
Explanation: Rugby School for SET.
Who influenced Arnold’s poetry?
A) Wordsworth B) Goethe C) Both A and B D) None
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Literary sources for NET.
What was Arnold’s religious stance?
A) Anglican B) Atheist C) Catholic D) Nonconformist
Answer: A) Anglican
Explanation: Family background for CTET.
Where did Arnold work as a school inspector?
A) England B) France C) Italy D) Scotland
Answer: A) England
Explanation: Career role for DUET.
Who was Arnold’s literary peer?
A) Tennyson B) Dickens C) Hardy D) Eliot
Answer: A) Tennyson
Explanation: Victorian poet for NET.
What caused Arnold’s death?
A) Heart failure B) Accident C) Illness D) Stroke
Answer: A) Heart failure
Explanation: 1888 for SET.
Who was Arnold’s mother?
A) Mary Penrose Arnold B) Frances Wightman C) Elizabeth Barrett D) Sarah Arnold
Answer: A) Mary Penrose Arnold
Explanation: Homemaker for DUET.
How many siblings did Arnold have?
A) Eight B) Four C) Two D) None
Answer: A) Eight
Explanation: Including Tom Arnold for JNUET.
What was Arnold’s profession besides writing?
A) School inspector B) Lawyer C) Doctor D) Merchant
Answer: A) School inspector
Explanation: Career role for SSC CGL.
Where was Arnold educated?
A) Oxford B) Cambridge C) Eton D) London University
Answer: A) Oxford
Explanation: Balliol College for SET.
What inspired Arnold’s poetry?
A) Nature B) Religion C) Both A and B D) War
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Themes in Dover Beach for NET.
When did Arnold marry Frances?
A) 1851 B) 1861 C) 1871 D) 1881
Answer: A) 1851
Explanation: Marriage record for UPSC.
Where did Arnold die?
A) Liverpool B) London C) Oxford D) Rugby
Answer: A) Liverpool
Explanation: 1888 for DUET.
What was Arnold’s nationality?
A) British B) French C) Italian D) American
Answer: A) British
Explanation: Basic fact for SSC CGL.
What was Arnold’s primary occupation?
A) Poet/critic B) Novelist C) Playwright D) Historian
Answer: A) Poet/critic
Explanation: Dual role for NET.
What was Arnold’s family’s social status?
A) Middle class B) Aristocracy C) Working class D) Royalty
Answer: A) Middle class
Explanation: Scholarly family for JNUET.
Where was Arnold buried?
A) Laleham B) Westminster Abbey C) Oxford D) Rugby
Answer: A) Laleham
Explanation: Family plot for SET.
What was Arnold’s early influence?
A) Romantic poets B) Classical texts C) Both A and B D) None
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Wordsworth and Homer for DUET.
What was Arnold’s first published work?
A) The Strayed Reveller B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Strayed Reveller
Explanation: 1849 for NET.
Which work launched Arnold’s fame?
A) Dover Beach B) The Strayed Reveller C) Essays in Criticism D) Poems
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: 1867 for UPSC.
What is the theme of Dover Beach?
A) Loss of faith B) Comedy C) Romance D) War
Answer: A) Loss of faith
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for SET.
Which work features the quote “And we are here as on a darkling plain”?
A) Dover Beach B) Culture and Anarchy C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Melancholy for CTET.
Which work is a prose critique?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) Sohrab and Rustum
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: Social order for TGT.
What is the theme of Culture and Anarchy?
A) Cultural perfection B) Love C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Cultural perfection
Explanation: “Sweetness and light” for NET.
Which work is a pastoral elegy?
A) Thyrsis B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Thyrsis
Explanation: Friendship for PGT.
Which work critiques literary standards?
A) Essays in Criticism B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Essays in Criticism
Explanation: Objectivity for JNUET.
What is the theme of Thyrsis?
A) Friendship B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Friendship
Explanation: Elegy for Clough for TGT.
Which work is set in Persia?
A) Sohrab and Rustum B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Sohrab and Rustum
Explanation: Epic narrative for SET.
In which year was Dover Beach published?
A) 1867 B) 1853 C) 1849 D) 1869
Answer: A) 1867
Explanation: Key poem for NET.
Which work is a poetry collection?
A) Poems B) Culture and Anarchy C) Essays in Criticism D) Dover Beach
Answer: A) Poems
Explanation: 1853 for PGT.
What is the theme of The Scholar-Gipsy?
A) Idealism B) War C) Love D) Comedy
Answer: A) Idealism
Explanation: Escapism for TGT.
Which work features “The sea of faith”?
A) Dover Beach B) Culture and Anarchy C) Thyrsis D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for NET.
What is the theme of Essays in Criticism?
A) Literary objectivity B) Love C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Literary objectivity
Explanation: Critical standards for SET.
Which work is a mythological poem?
A) The Strayed Reveller B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Strayed Reveller
Explanation: Early work for DUET.
What is the theme of Sohrab and Rustum?
A) Tragedy B) Love C) Comedy D) Politics
Answer: A) Tragedy
Explanation: Father-son conflict for NET.
Which work was published in 1869?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) Poems
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: Prose critique for PGT.
What is the setting of Dover Beach?
A) Seaside B) City C) Forest D) Battlefield
Answer: A) Seaside
Explanation: Coastal imagery for SET.
Which work was published in 1853?
A) Poems B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) Poems
Explanation: Collection for NET.
What is the theme of Rugby Chapel?
A) Legacy B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Legacy
Explanation: Father’s influence for JNUET.
Which work is a critical essay?
A) Essays in Criticism B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Essays in Criticism
Explanation: Literary standards for SET.
Which quote is from Dover Beach?
A) Ah, love, let us be true B) Culture is the pursuit C) Truth sits upon D) Poetry is the criticism
Answer: A) Ah, love, let us be true
Explanation: Love theme for UPSC.
Which work features “Culture is the pursuit of our total perfection”?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: Social critique for CTET.
Which quote is from The Scholar-Gipsy?
A) Wandering between two worlds B) The sea of faith C) Culture is the pursuit D) Truth sits upon
Answer: A) Wandering between two worlds
Explanation: Idealism for NET.
Which work features “Rustling in the wind of night”?
A) Thyrsis B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Thyrsis
Explanation: Pastoral imagery for SET.
Which quote is from Essays in Criticism?
A) Poetry is the criticism of life B) The sea of faith C) Culture is the pursuit D) Wandering between two worlds
Answer: A) Poetry is the criticism of life
Explanation: Critical theory for NET.
Which work features “Truth sits upon the lips of dying men”?
A) Sohrab and Rustum B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) Culture and Anarchy
Answer: A) Sohrab and Rustum
Explanation: Tragedy for TGT.
Which quote is from Rugby Chapel?
A) O strong soul, by what shore B) The sea of faith C) Culture is the pursuit D) Poetry is the criticism
Answer: A) O strong soul, by what shore
Explanation: Legacy for DUET.
Which work explores cultural critique?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: Social order for NET.
Which quote is from Thyrsis?
A) Rustling in the wind of night B) The sea of faith C) Culture is the pursuit D) Poetry is the criticism
Answer: A) Rustling in the wind of night
Explanation: Elegy for PGT.
Which work was published in 1866?
A) Thyrsis B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Poems
Answer: A) Thyrsis
Explanation: Pastoral elegy for SET.
Which quote is from Culture and Anarchy?
A) The best which has been thought and said B) The sea of faith C) Wandering between two worlds D) Rustling in the wind
Answer: A) The best which has been thought and said
Explanation: Cultural ideal for JNUET.
Which work explores spiritual crisis?
A) Dover Beach B) Culture and Anarchy C) Thyrsis D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Loss of faith for NET.
Which work was published in 1849?
A) The Strayed Reveller B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Strayed Reveller
Explanation: First work for PGT.
Which work explores literary criticism?
A) Essays in Criticism B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Essays in Criticism
Explanation: Critical theory for SET.
Which work features a tragic narrative?
A) Sohrab and Rustum B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) Sohrab and Rustum
Explanation: Father-son conflict for TGT.
What is the main theme of Dover Beach?
A) Loss of faith B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Loss of faith
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for TGT.
What is Arnold’s narrative style in Thyrsis?
A) Elegiac B) Dramatic C) Satirical D) Epistolary
Answer: A) Elegiac
Explanation: Pastoral mourning for NET.
What is a feature of Arnold’s style?
A) Melancholy B) Humor C) Optimism D) Satire
Answer: A) Melancholy
Explanation: Poetic tone for SET.
What is the tone of Culture and Anarchy?
A) Didactic B) Tragic C) Comedic D) Romantic
Answer: A) Didactic
Explanation: Social critique for JNUET.
What is the tone of Dover Beach?
A) Melancholic B) Joyful C) Satirical D) Heroic
Answer: A) Melancholic
Explanation: Spiritual loss for CTET.
Which work uses sea imagery?
A) Dover Beach B) Thyrsis C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Coastal setting for NET.
What is the form of Sohrab and Rustum?
A) Blank verse B) Sonnet C) Ode D) Ballad
Answer: A) Blank verse
Explanation: Epic style for SET.
What is the theme of Essays in Criticism?
A) Objectivity B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Objectivity
Explanation: Critical standards for PGT.
What is the tone of The Scholar-Gipsy?
A) Idealistic B) Tragic C) Comedic D) Satirical
Answer: A) Idealistic
Explanation: Escapism for NET.
Which work uses pastoral imagery?
A) Thyrsis B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Thyrsis
Explanation: Rural setting for SET.
What is the main theme of Culture and Anarchy?
A) Cultural order B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Cultural order
Explanation: Social critique for JNUET.
Which work employs elegiac tone?
A) Thyrsis B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Thyrsis
Explanation: Mourning Clough for CTET.
What is the style of Poems (1853)?
A) Narrative B) Lyrical C) Dramatic D) Satirical
Answer: B) Lyrical
Explanation: Poetic expression for SET.
Which theme is prominent in Sohrab and Rustum?
A) Tragedy B) Love C) Comedy D) War
Answer: A) Tragedy
Explanation: Father-son conflict for PGT.
What is the theme of Rugby Chapel?
A) Legacy B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Legacy
Explanation: Father’s influence for NET.
Which work uses mythological allusions?
A) The Strayed Reveller B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Strayed Reveller
Explanation: Early style for SET.
What is the tone of Sohrab and Rustum?
A) Tragic B) Comedic C) Joyful D) Satirical
Answer: A) Tragic
Explanation: Epic conflict for DUET.
Which theme is central to The Strayed Reveller?
A) Introspection B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Introspection
Explanation: Mythological themes for TGT.
Which work uses reflective narration?
A) The Scholar-Gipsy B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Scholar-Gipsy
Explanation: Idealism for NET.
Which theme is prominent in Thyrsis?
A) Friendship B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Friendship
Explanation: Elegy for Clough for SET.
Which work uses critical prose?
A) Essays in Criticism B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Essays in Criticism
Explanation: Literary standards for JNUET.
Which theme is central to Dover Beach?
A) Modernity B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Modernity
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for PGT.
Which work uses elegiac style?
A) Rugby Chapel B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Rugby Chapel
Explanation: Father’s legacy for NET.
Which theme is prominent in The Scholar-Gipsy?
A) Escapism B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Escapism
Explanation: Idealism for SET.
Which work uses social critique?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: “Sweetness and light” for JNUET.
Which theme is central to Essays in Criticism?
A) Objectivity B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Objectivity
Explanation: Critical theory for NET.
Which work uses tragic imagery?
A) Sohrab and Rustum B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) Sohrab and Rustum
Explanation: Epic conflict for SET.
Which theme is prominent in Rugby Chapel?
A) Duty B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Duty
Explanation: Father’s legacy for PGT.
What is the tone of Thyrsis?
A) Mournful B) Joyful C) Satirical D) Heroic
Answer: A) Mournful
Explanation: Elegy for Clough for NET.
Which work uses reflective tone?
A) The Strayed Reveller B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Strayed Reveller
Explanation: Introspection for SET.
Which era shaped Arnold’s works?
A) Victorian B) Romantic C) Elizabethan D) Modern
Answer: A) Victorian
Explanation: 1837–1901 for UPSC.
What was the primary context of Dover Beach?
A) Religious doubt B) Renaissance art C) World War I D) Industrial Revolution
Answer: A) Religious doubt
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for NET.
Which monarch ruled during Arnold’s career?
A) Victoria I B) George III C) Edward VII D) James I
Answer: A) Victoria I
Explanation: Victorian era for SET.
What social issue influenced Culture and Anarchy?
A) Social disorder B) Gender roles C) Colonialism D) War
Answer: A) Social disorder
Explanation: “Anarchy” critique for DUET.
Which event shaped Thyrsis?
A) Clough’s death B) Industrial Revolution C) French Revolution D) Reform Act
Answer: A) Clough’s death
Explanation: Elegy for friend for NET.
What social movement influenced Arnold?
A) Education reform B) Puritanism C) Imperialism D) Chartism
Answer: A) Education reform
Explanation: School inspector role for UPSC.
Which social issue affected Arnold’s era?
A) Industrialization B) Black Death C) Napoleonic Wars D) None
Answer: A) Industrialization
Explanation: Victorian progress for JNUET.
What social issue is reflected in Dover Beach?
A) Loss of faith B) Gender roles C) War D) Poverty
Answer: A) Loss of faith
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for SET.
Which reform influenced Culture and Anarchy?
A) Social reform B) Poor Law C) Factory Act D) None
Answer: A) Social reform
Explanation: Cultural order for PGT.
What political structure shaped Arnold’s works?
A) Monarchy B) Republic C) Democracy D) Feudalism
Answer: A) Monarchy
Explanation: Victorian era for NET.
Which source inspired Sohrab and Rustum?
A) Persian epic B) Bible C) Shakespeare D) Homer
Answer: A) Persian epic
Explanation: Shahnameh for SET.
What social issue is reflected in The Scholar-Gipsy?
A) Idealism B) Industrialization C) Gender roles D) War
Answer: B) Industrialization
Explanation: Escapism from progress for JNUET.
Which event affected Arnold’s era?
A) Reform Acts B) Black Death C) Great Fire D) None
Answer: A) Reform Acts
Explanation: Social change for NET.
What influenced Arnold’s views?
A) European culture B) American Revolution C) Roman law D) All of the above
Answer: A) European culture
Explanation: Goethe’s influence for DUET.
Which event shaped Dover Beach?
A) Religious doubt B) French Revolution C) Reform Act D) Napoleonic Wars
Answer: A) Religious doubt
Explanation: Victorian crisis for TGT.
What was the role of the press in Arnold’s era?
A) Literary reviews B) Censorship C) Military D) Trade
Answer: A) Literary reviews
Explanation: Critical reception for NET.
Which monarch followed Victoria I?
A) Edward VII B) George III C) Charles II D) James II
Answer: A) Edward VII
Explanation: Post-Arnold for SET.
What economic change shaped Thyrsis?
A) Rural decline B) Mercantilism C) Enclosures D) None
Answer: A) Rural decline
Explanation: Pastoral nostalgia for UPSC.
Which event promoted Arnold’s works?
A) Oxford professorship B) Illness C) Death D) All of the above
Answer: A) Oxford professorship
Explanation: 1857–1867 for NET.
What was the impact of religion?
A) Doubt in Dover Beach B) Education reform C) Wealth increase D) None
Answer: A) Doubt in Dover Beach
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for SET.
Which institution shaped Arnold’s childhood?
A) Rugby School B) Oxford C) Eton D) None
Answer: A) Rugby School
Explanation: Father’s influence for JNUET.
What was the role of Oxford in Arnold’s works?
A) Inspiration B) Censorship C) Military D) Trade
Answer: A) Inspiration
Explanation: Scholarly setting for NET.
Which trade influenced Arnold’s works?
A) Publishing B) Silk Road C) Spice trade D) None
Answer: A) Publishing
Explanation: Literary dissemination for SET.
Which event shaped The Scholar-Gipsy?
A) Industrial progress B) Napoleonic Wars C) French Revolution D) All of the above
Answer: A) Industrial progress
Explanation: Escapism for JNUET.
Which event influenced Culture and Anarchy?
A) Social unrest B) Industrial Revolution C) French Revolution D) World War I
Answer: A) Social unrest
Explanation: Victorian disorder for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its spiritual themes?
A) Dover Beach B) Culture and Anarchy C) Thyrsis D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Loss of faith for NET.
Which work is studied for its cultural critique?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: Social order for JNUET.
Which work is analyzed for its elegiac tone?
A) Thyrsis B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Thyrsis
Explanation: Mourning Clough for SET.
Which work is studied for its critical theory?
A) Essays in Criticism B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Essays in Criticism
Explanation: Objectivity for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its idealism?
A) The Scholar-Gipsy B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Scholar-Gipsy
Explanation: Escapism for JNUET.
Which work is studied for its tragic themes?
A) Sohrab and Rustum B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) Sohrab and Rustum
Explanation: Father-son conflict for SET.
Which work is analyzed for its use of imagery?
A) Dover Beach B) Culture and Anarchy C) Thyrsis D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Sea imagery for NET.
Which work explores social philosophy?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: “Sweetness and light” for PGT.
Which work is analyzed for its narrative voice?
A) The Strayed Reveller B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Strayed Reveller
Explanation: Introspection for SET.
Which work is studied for its pastoral themes?
A) Thyrsis B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Thyrsis
Explanation: Rural elegy for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its reflective tone?
A) Rugby Chapel B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) Rugby Chapel
Explanation: Father’s legacy for JNUET.
Which work is studied for its mythological themes?
A) The Strayed Reveller B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Strayed Reveller
Explanation: Early style for SET.
Which work is analyzed for its social critique?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: Social order for NET.
Which work is studied for its melancholic tone?
A) Dover Beach B) Culture and Anarchy C) Thyrsis D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Spiritual crisis for CTET.
Which work is analyzed for its use of symbolism?
A) Dover Beach B) Culture and Anarchy C) Thyrsis D) Essays in Criticism
Answer: A) Dover Beach
Explanation: Sea as faith for NET.
Which work is studied for its narrative structure?
A) Sohrab and Rustum B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) Sohrab and Rustum
Explanation: Epic narrative for SET.
Which work is analyzed for its philosophical themes?
A) Culture and Anarchy B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Culture and Anarchy
Explanation: Cultural perfection for JNUET.
Which work is studied for its critical objectivity?
A) Essays in Criticism B) Dover Beach C) Thyrsis D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Essays in Criticism
Explanation: Literary standards for NET.
Which work is analyzed for its elegiac themes?
A) Rugby Chapel B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) The Scholar-Gipsy
Answer: A) Rugby Chapel
Explanation: Father’s legacy for SET.
Which work is studied for its escapist themes?
A) The Scholar-Gipsy B) Dover Beach C) Culture and Anarchy D) Thyrsis
Answer: A) The Scholar-Gipsy
Explanation: Idealism for NET.
How does Arnold use the sea as a symbol in Dover Beach?
A) Love B) Faith C) War D) Nature
Answer: B) Faith
Explanation: The receding sea symbolizes the decline of religious faith, analyzed in NET.
What is the significance of the narrative perspective in The Scholar-Gipsy?
A) To critique society B) To evoke idealism C) To depict tragedy D) To promote faith
Answer: B) To evoke idealism
Explanation: The reflective voice idealizes the Gipsy’s freedom, studied in JNUET.
How does Arnold portray conflict in Sohrab and Rustum?
A) Through dialogue B) Through nature imagery C) Through comedy D) Through satire
Answer: A) Through dialogue
Explanation: The father-son dialogue drives the tragedy, tested in SET.
What philosophical theme is evident in Culture and Anarchy?
A) Humanism B) Nihilism C) Existentialism D) Romanticism
Answer: A) Humanism
Explanation: Arnold’s “sweetness and light” promotes human perfection, analyzed in NET.
How does Arnold use irony in Thyrsis?
A) To critique faith B) To mourn lost ideals C) To depict joy D) To promote culture
Answer: B) To mourn lost ideals
Explanation: The pastoral ideal contrasts with Clough’s death, studied in PGT.
What is the role of the speaker in Rugby Chapel?
A) To critique society B) To honor legacy C) To depict despair D) To promote war
Answer: B) To honor legacy
Explanation: The speaker celebrates Thomas Arnold’s duty, tested in CTET.
How does Arnold explore morality in Essays in Criticism?
A) Through objectivity B) Through satire C) Through tragedy D) Through romance
Answer: A) Through objectivity
Explanation: Arnold advocates disinterested criticism, analyzed in SET.
What is the significance of the title The Strayed Reveller?
A) To depict wandering B) To critique faith C) To celebrate joy D) To promote culture
Answer: A) To depict wandering
Explanation: The title reflects mythological introspection, studied in JNUET.

Conclusion

Matthew Arnold, the Victorian poet and critic, with lines like “And we are here as on a darkling plain” and “Culture is the pursuit of our total perfection,” remains essential for English literature. His exploration of faith, culture, and criticism in works like Dover Beach, Culture and Anarchy, and Thyrsis is crucial for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL. With 11 iconic quotes, including new ones like “Poetry is the criticism of life,” and 150 MCQs covering biography, works, themes, context, and analysis, this guide is your key to mastering Arnold for exam success.

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MATTHEW ARNOLD: BIOGRAPHY, WORKS, QUOTES, AND 150 MCQS FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS