In The Study of Poetry, Matthew Arnold uses certain great poets as models for judging poetry, applying his "Touchstone Method" to evaluate literary excellence. He selects poets who, in his view, embody "high seriousness", profound moral insight, and artistic excellence.
The literary figures Arnold uses as touchstones include:
Homer – For his grandeur, clarity, and narrative power.
Dante – For his deep moral vision and intensity.
Shakespeare – For his vast understanding of human nature.
Milton – For his majestic style and philosophical depth.
Virgil – For his refinement and noble sentiment.
These poets serve as benchmarks for Arnold in determining whether other poets achieve the highest standard of poetry. He believes that by comparing poetry with these masters, one can judge its true worth.
