Culture and Anarchy: An Essay in Political and Social Criticism

Arnold frequently refers to the pressing religious controversies of his day throughout Culture and Anarchy. What role do these religious controversies play in illustrating key aspects of Arnold’s cultural thought? What is the relationship between culture and religion more generally in Culture and Anarchy?

Arnold argues that both Hebraism and Hellenism have played—and continue to play in his own day—important roles in the development of English culture and society. How does Arnold characterize the influence of each in English history? In what ways, and to what extent, are both Hebraism and Hellenism necessary in Western culture as a whole?

Culture and Anarchy appeared at a time when the Industrial Revolution was reaching new heights in England. How does Arnold depict industrialism and England’s growing economic power in Culture and Anarchy? Why does he consider both industrialism and mercantilism as potential threats to true culture? Do you agree with his assessment? Why or why not?

Consider the ways in which Arnold discusses the notions of the “State” and the “Establishment” in Culture and Anarchy. What role, if any, do states and establishments play in promoting culture? Why does Arnold believe they are important?

Explore how Arnold presents “sweetness and light” as the essence of true culture. How does Arnold depict beauty and intelligence/reason? Why is each element important? What is the relationship between these two key aspects of culture?

Arnold believes that the counterpoint to true culture is anarchy—a state of disorder, unchecked individualism, and potential violence. How does anarchy contrast with culture in Arnold’s thought? How do Arnold’s views on anarchy influence his wider political and social views in Culture and Anarchy?

Arnold believes that the “great works” (95) in various literary, scientific, and religious fields of human endeavor distinguish themselves through the way in which “the human spirit has manifested its approaches to totality, and a full, harmonious perfection” (95) which in turn “helps forward the world’s general perfection” (95). What does “perfection” mean in Arnold’s thought? What is the role of “perfection” in true culture more generally?

What is the relationship between freedom and culture in Culture and Anarchy? How does Arnold define freedom, and what are the wider political and cultural implications of his views?