By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 11, 2025
Summary:
The Scholar-Gipsy is a poem about a scholar who leaves the busy world behind to live with gypsies. The poet, Matthew Arnold, tells the story of an Oxford student who decides to learn the secrets of life from the gypsies instead of following a traditional career. The poet imagines that the scholar is still alive, wandering through the countryside, searching for wisdom.
Arnold compares the scholar’s simple and focused life with the modern world, which is full of stress and distractions. He believes that people today are restless and always chasing after success but never find true happiness. The poet admires the scholar because he is not affected by the fast-changing world. In the end, the poem suggests that a peaceful and meaningful life is better than a life full of endless struggles and worries.
Fact
Details
Poem Name
The Scholar-Gipsy
Poet
Matthew Arnold
Year Published
1853
Setting
Countryside near Oxford, England
Theme
Simplicity vs. modern life, search for wisdom, escaping reality
Tone
Calm, dreamy, nostalgic
Symbolism
The scholar represents a pure and focused life
Famous Lines
“Go, for they call you, shepherd, from the hill”
Message
A peaceful life with purpose is better than a busy, meaningless one
