[1.] That son of Italy. Giacopone di Todi.
[2.] Dante (1265-1321). Best known as the author of The Divine Comedy.
[3.] In his light youth. Explain.
[11.] sackcloth. Symbolic of mourning or mortification of the flesh.
Tell the story of the poem and make the application. Explain Arnold's idea of poetry as set forth in ll. 12-14.
[WORLDLY PLACE][°]
[3.] Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.), commonly called "the philosopher." A celebrated Roman emperor, prominent among the ethical teachers of his time. Arnold himself has been aptly styled by Sharp an "impassioned Marcus Aurelius, wrought by [p.195] poetic vision and emotion to poetic music."
[6.] foolish. In the sense of unreasonable. ken. The Scotch word meaning sight.
[7.] rates. Berates, reproves.
Give the poem's theme. What is implied by the word "even," l. 1? Does the author agree with the implication? Why so? Discuss l. 5 as to its meaning. Interpret the expressions "ill-school'd spirit," l. 11, and "Some nobler, ampler stage of life," l. 12. Where finally are the aids to a nobler life to be found? Do you agree with this philosophy of life?