Hellenism and Hebraism in Victorian Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper is an in-depth analysis of Arnold's Hellenism and Hebraism whereby the two philosophies are compared. The author concludes that it is equally important to strive to know beauty (Hellenism) as to endeavor to be virtuous and moral (Hebraism), as long as one can achieve a balance of the two.

From the Paper:

"Lifestyles in England during the reign of Queen Victoria exhibited conflicting philosophical viewpoints. The success of imperialism had contributed to the wealth, decadence, and frivolity of many upper class citizens. This lifestyle exhibited an excess of what Matthew Arnold, in his book Culture and Anarchy, terms Hellenism. Yet there were also those who condemned this existence based on sensuality and aesthetics, going so far as to say that any entertainment was sinful. These people proposed that the ultimate ideal is a life spent solely in pursuit of piety and righteousness. This belief, most apparent in the Puritan doctrine, is what Arnold calls Hebraism."

More papers on Hellenism and Hebraism in Victorian Literature:

• Term Paper # 120063 : "Hellenism Versus Hebraism in Victorian England"
• Analytical Essay # 7523 : "Matthew Arnold: Late Victorian English Poet and Critic"
• Analytical Essay # 25454 : "Victorian Literature"

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