The Literary Theories of Arnold and Wordsworth and Their Implications for the Teaching of English.

This dissertation examines the philosophies of Matthew Arnold and William Wordsworth in the attempt to provide a historical basis for a humanistic approach to the teaching of English. Arnold focused on the intellect, considering reading to be a criticism of life, while Wordsworth was concerned with feeling--emotions stimulated by experience and developed by imagination. Together, they present a perspective of cognitive and affective response to literature which is grounded in the actual conduct of human beings. Educational philosophies proposed by John Dixon, Louise Rosenblatt, and James Britton, as well as those of other theorists, seem to build upon Arnold's and Wordsworth's views. Humanistic teaching strategies can develop skills by focusing on these skills as useful tools for living. (Author/KS)