The Image of German in Matthew Arnold and Walter Pater

FAIN: FA-11026-75

Edward Engelberg
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA 02453-2728)

To demonstrate the vitality and importance of the cross-cultural relationships between English and German literature and philosophy from 1840 to the death of Pater in 1894. The emphasis will be on Arnold who held center stage in England for nearly forty years. Since the reception of German ideas was often hostile in 19th century England it is of importance to understand why Arnold and Pater found so much of value in Germany, and how Arnold incorporated this knowledge into his criticism of English literature.