Culture and Anarchy: An Essay in Political and Social Criticism

In Chapter 5, Arnold more closely assesses the importance of Hellenism and the role it can now play in English culture. He associates Hellenism with the essence of true culture, admitting, “Sweetness and light evidently have to do with the bent or side in humanity which we call Hellenic” (350-351). He praises the ancient Greek influence, especially their deep love of beauty and nature.

Arnold argues that English culture has long leaned toward Hebraism at the expense of developing the Hellenic side: “[t]he ruling force is now [in England], and long has been, a Puritan force, the care for fire and strength, strictness of conscience, Hebraism, rather than the care for sweetness and light, spontaneity of consciousness, Hellenism” (354). Arnold acknowledges that many of his critics—and critics of culture more generally—still argue in favor of Hebraism and its “fire and strength,” believing that its pragmatism and strictness are the best things for English society.

Arnold responds to such critiques by saying that the Puritan influence in England has been too dominant for too long, leading to narrowmindedness and a lack of expansiveness.