<P> Some consider Arnold to be the bridge between Romanticism and Modernism . His use of symbolic landscapes was typical of the Romantic era, while his sceptical and pessimistic perspective was typical of the Modern era . The rationalistic tendency of certain of his writings gave offence to many readers, and the sufficiency of his equipment in scholarship for dealing with some of the subjects which he handled was called in question, but he undoubtedly exercised a stimulating influence on his time . His writings are characterised by the finest culture, high purpose, sincerity, and a style of great distinction, and much of his poetry has an exquisite and subtle beauty, though here also it has been doubted whether high culture and wide knowledge of poetry did not sometimes take the place of true poetic fire . Henry James wrote that Matthew Arnold's poetry will appeal to those who "like their pleasures rare" and who like to hear the poet "taking breath ." </P> <P> The mood of Arnold's poetry tends to be of plaintive reflection, and he is restrained in expressing emotion . He felt that poetry should be the' criticism of life' and express a philosophy . Arnold's philosophy is that true happiness comes from within, and that people should seek within themselves for good, while being resigned in acceptance of outward things and avoiding the pointless turmoil of the world . However, he argues that we should not live in the belief that we shall one day inherit eternal bliss . If we are not happy on earth, we should moderate our desires rather than live in dreams of something that may never be attained . This philosophy is clearly expressed in such poems as "Dover Beach" and in these lines from "Stanzas from the Grande Chartreuse": </P> <P> Wandering between two worlds, one dead The other powerless to be born, With nowhere yet to rest my head Like these, on earth I wait forlorn . </P> <P> Arnold valued natural scenery for its peace and permanence in contrast with the ceaseless change of human things . His descriptions are often picturesque, and marked by striking similes . However, at the same time he liked subdued colours, mist and moonlight . He seems to prefer the' spent lights' of the sea - depths in "The Forsaken Merman" to the village life preferred by the merman's lost wife . </P>

Who was known as the greatest writer of latin prose