Culture and Anarchy · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Culture and Anarchy by Matthew Arnold.
Narrator
major
Also known as I, me, myself, mine
The first-person voice guiding the cultural critique throughout the book.
Mr. Bright
supporting
Also known as Mr. Bright
A political figure criticized for his utilitarian views on culture and society.
Philistine
supporting
Also known as the Philistine, Philistines, the British Philistines
A recurring type representing the middle class and its materialistic values.
St. Paul
supporting
Also known as St. Paul
Apostle whose teachings on faith and law are frequently referenced in the Hebraism-Hellenism debate.
Jesus Christ
supporting
Also known as Christ
Central figure of Christianity, invoked as a model of perfection and sweetness.
Bishop Wilson
minor
Also known as Bishop Wilson
A bishop whose maxims on conduct and conscience are cited by the narrator.
Mr. Murphy
minor
Also known as Mr. Murphy
A contemporary figure criticized for his narrow religious and political views.
Mr. Frederic Harrison
minor
Also known as Mr. Frederic Harrison
A positivist thinker whose ideas on culture and religion are debated.
Mr. Hepworth Dixon
minor
Also known as Mr. Dixon, Mr. Hepworth Dixon
A writer whose works on spiritualism and culture are referenced critically.
Mr. Spurgeon
minor
Also known as Mr. Spurgeon
A popular preacher whose style and influence are discussed in the text.
Socrates
minor
Also known as Socrates
Classical philosopher used as a model of the examined life and intellectual inquiry.
Mr. Chambers
minor
Also known as Mr. Chambers
A figure mentioned in relation to educational and cultural debates.
Hooker
minor
Also known as Hooker
Theologian Richard Hooker, cited for his views on law and church governance.
Mr. Lowe
minor
Also known as Mr. Lowe
A politician whose educational policies are criticized in the book.
Mr. Robert Buchanan
minor
Also known as Mr. Robert Buchanan
A poet and critic whose literary views are referenced.
Plato
minor
Also known as Plato
Greek philosopher whose ideas on beauty and truth underpin the concept of culture.
Barbarians
minor
Also known as the Barbarians, Barbarian
A social class representing the aristocracy, defined by external refinement.
Mr. Bradlaugh
minor
Also known as Mr. Bradlaugh
A secularist and political activist whose views are critiqued.
Solomon
minor
Also known as Solomon
Biblical king cited for his wisdom and as a symbol of Hebraic tradition.
M. Renan
minor
Also known as M. Renan
French historian and philosopher whose works on religion are referenced.
Mr. Walter Travers
minor
Also known as Travers, a Mr. Walter Travers
A clergyman mentioned in connection with religious controversies.
Queen Elizabeth
minor
Also known as Elizabeth, Queen Elizabeth
Tudor monarch referenced in discussions of state and religion.
Franklin
minor
Also known as Franklin
Benjamin Franklin, cited as an example of practical wisdom and self-improvement.
Aristotle
minor
Also known as Aristotle
Greek philosopher whose ethical and political ideas are invoked.
Mr. White
minor
Also known as Mr. White
A contemporary figure mentioned in passing in cultural debates.
Mr. Sidgwick
minor
Also known as Mr. Sidgwick
A philosopher and educator whose views on ethics are referenced.
Joubert
minor
Also known as Joubert
French moralist whose aphorisms on culture and thought are quoted.
Goethe
minor
Also known as Goethe
German poet and thinker, a model of Hellenic balance and cultural breadth.
Sir Daniel Gooch
minor
Also known as Daniel, Dan
A railway engineer and politician mentioned in a cultural context.
M. Sainte-Beuve
minor
Also known as M. Sainte - Beuve
French literary critic whose methods are discussed in relation to culture.
Mr. Roebuck
minor
Also known as Mr. Roebuck
A politician whose speeches on reform are critiqued.
Mr. Carlyle
minor
Also known as Mr. Carlyle
Thomas Carlyle, whose views on heroism and culture are referenced.
Mr. Smith
minor
Also known as a Mr. Smith, Poor Mr. Smith
A generic figure used to illustrate points about social class and culture.
Isaac Walton
minor
Also known as Walton
Author of The Compleat Angler, cited as an example of a harmonious life.
Mr. Beales
minor
Also known as Mr. Beales
A political reformer mentioned in the context of liberal movements.
Colonel Dickson
minor
Also known as Colonel
A military figure referenced in passing in political discussions.
Wilhelm von Humboldt
minor
Also known as Humboldt
German philosopher and statesman whose ideas on education are cited.
Mr. Gladstone
minor
Also known as 3 Mr. Gladstone
Prime minister William Gladstone, referenced in political and cultural debates.
Dr. Newman
minor
Also known as Dr. Newman
John Henry Newman, theologian whose views on faith and reason are discussed.
Bentham
minor
Also known as Bentham
Jeremy Bentham, utilitarian philosopher whose ideas are critiqued.
Mr. Miall
minor
Also known as Mr. Miall
A Nonconformist politician and advocate for religious liberty.
Brother Noyes
minor
Also known as Brother Noyes
A religious figure associated with perfectionist movements.
Constantine
minor
Also known as Constantine
Roman emperor whose conversion to Christianity is referenced historically.
Mr. Odger
minor
Also known as Mr. Odger
A working-class political activist mentioned in reform discussions.
Canning
minor
Also known as Canning
British statesman George Canning, referenced in political context.
Newman Weeks
minor
Also known as Newman Weeks
A minor figure mentioned in relation to religious controversies.
Mr. Tennyson
minor
Also known as Mr. Tennyson
Poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, cited as a representative of culture.
