Matthew Arnold’s Pregnancy

Abstract

Examines Arnold’s writings on the theory of poetry, which stress the rejection of desire but which contain abundant references (many indirect) to pregnancy. Claims Arnold believes great poems are metaphorically like pregnant women: they contain beneath their surface-language important ideology that can be exposed only when brought to light by critical analysis. Suggests that at the same time, however, Arnold recognized the potential for poetic language to express meanings other than those authorized by the critic.