Analysis Of Matthew Arnold And Thomas Carlyle

During the Victorian Era (1830-1901), there was a complex sociopolitical environment that contributed to tension in religious ideas. Scientific advancements were the primary driver of a reduced sense of faith in society, spurred by Charles Darwin’s 1859 book On the Origin of Species. His book was immensely popular and introduced the scientific theory that over time, generations of populations evolve through natural selection, therefore taking God out of the equation. Additionally, in many ways, the Industrial Revolution completely changed daily life in England, bringing manufacturing to the forefront of the country’s economy. With a backdrop that did not support faith-based ideas, authors of the time took hold of this tension and responded through literature. Both Matthew Arnold and Thomas Carlyle do so, but have stark differences in their views. Although both Arnold and Carlyle write in response to the reduced faith in British society during …show more content…
While here, he expresses complete nihilism, after feeling as though “the net-result of [his] workings amounted as yet simply to – Nothing. How then could [he] believe in [his] Strength, when there was as yet no mirror to see it in?” (1051). After not believing in himself, he found it hard to believe in anything else, especially faith. He states that “the fearful Unbelief is unbelief in yourself; and how could I believe?” (1051). This is a prime example of the outright disbelief that he feels towards his confidence in himself and a spiritual deity. This passage encompasses the ideas of “The Everlasting No” in that it is a completely nihilistic and negative viewpoint where faith is unattainable. Professor Teufelsdröckh travels out of this state to enter the “Centre of Indifference” after he realizes that “The Everlasting No” is not a fulfilling life experience for