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What was a major influence on Arnold's critical writings?

  • American culture

  • His travels

  • His education

  • His political beliefs

Answer

Arnold's critical writings were heavily influenced by his education. His studies at Oxford University exposed him to the works of classical authors, such as Aristotle and Plato, as well as to the writings of contemporary critics, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. These influences shaped Arnold's critical approach, which emphasized the importance of form, structure, and objectivity in literary criticism.
Mastering Matthew Arnold: A Literary Journey Through the Life and Works of a Victorian Virtuoso

Mastering Matthew Arnold: A Literary Journey Through the Life and Works of a Victorian Virtuoso

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