How does Arnold develop the concept
of ‘Touchstone Method’? / What is Arnold’s opinion regarding the Historical and
the Personal methods of poetry? Discuss with suitable examples.
Arnold believes and states in the present essay that the future of poetry is "immense" because poetry is Truth and truth always elevates our heart and soul and it survives through all odds. Somebody has rightly said, "Poetry is first and the last of all knowledge . It is as old as the human heart." Arnold then recalls Wordsworth's theory of poetry that poetry is "the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge." Further , critic talks about the difficulties which come while evaluating poetry. He says there are two estimates - Personal and Historical estimate which we should discard while evaluating literature and specially in terms of poetry.
We regard anything of History with respect because it has survived through time. But we shall not estimate poetry in this way. Critic says that we should discard historical estimate because whatever is ancient may not be true or worthy. Another point he gives that every work of great author may not be great. For instance, Shakespeare's all dramas may not be as great as his four great tragedies.
Arnold says Personal estimate is another fallacy in criticism. It generally happens with the contemporary writers. Suppose, if I am a writer and my friend is a critic or another writer then she will give mild, soft , praising comments and so she won't criticize my poem or judge it honestly. This is Personal Estimate. According to Arnold , we should save ourselves from such dishonest judgments. We should be objective while criticizing our contemporaries.
