Ah! two desires toss about The poet's feverish blood; One drives him to the world without, And one to solitude.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poet feels torn between engaging with the outside world and seeking solitude.
- In plain terms
- A poet wants to be in the world and also alone.
- What can you take from it?
- Creativity often struggles between social engagement and isolation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you need solitude to create?
- How do you balance social and private time?
Another view
Not all poets feel this specific tension between world and solitude.
More from Matthew Arnold
What shelter to grow ripe is ours? What leisure to grow wise?
Permalink to quote #15 We, in some unknown Power's employ, Move on a rigorous line; Can neither, when we will, enjoy, Nor, when we will, resign.
Permalink to quote #17 Resolve to be thyself; and know, that he Who finds himself, loses his misery.
Permalink to quote #14
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