Matthew Arnold · English Literature

Which of the following poets did Arnold most admire and regard as a mentor figure for his nature poetry?

  1. Lord Byron, for his romantic energy
  2. John Keats, for his sensuous imagery
  3. William Wordsworth, for his healing nature poetry
  4. P.B. Shelley, for his lyric intensity
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Correct answer: William Wordsworth, for his healing nature poetry

Arnold was deeply influenced by Wordsworth's relationship with nature and his 'healing power'. Arnold's own 'Memorial Verses' pays tribute to Wordsworth, ranking him alongside Goethe and Byron but praising his unique ability to soothe the soul.

Difficulty: Medium Question 13 of 20

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