Summary – The Scholar-Gipsy by Matthew Arnold

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | 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.

FactDetails
Poem NameThe Scholar-Gipsy
PoetMatthew Arnold
Year Published1853
SettingCountryside near Oxford, England
ThemeSimplicity vs. modern life, search for wisdom, escaping reality
ToneCalm, dreamy, nostalgic
SymbolismThe scholar represents a pure and focused life
Famous Lines“Go, for they call you, shepherd, from the hill”
MessageA peaceful life with purpose is better than a busy, meaningless one

Summary of The Scholar-Gipsy by Matthew Arnold
Summary of The Scholar-Gipsy by Matthew Arnold

MCQs from Some Famous Poems of Matthew Arnold

  1. MCQs Thyrsis by Matthew Arnold
  2. MCQs – Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold
  3. MCQs – The Scholar-Gipsy by Matthew Arnold
  4. MCQs – Empedocles on Etna by Matthew Arnold
  5. MCQs – The Forsaken Merman by Matthew Arnold

Summary of Some Famous poems of Matthew Arnold

  1. Summary – Dover Beach 
  2. Summary – The Scholar-Gipsy 
  3. Summary – Thyrsis 
  4. Summary – Empedocles on Etna 
  5. Summary – The Forsaken Merman 

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