Arthur Hugh Clough

Date of Birth: January 1, 1819

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 13, 1861

Biography

Arthur Hugh Clough was a prominent English poet and an influential literary figure of the 19th century. Born in Liverpool, England, Clough showed early promise in academics and literature. He attended Rugby School, where he was deeply influenced by the headmaster Thomas Arnold, and later went on to Balliol College, Oxford. Despite his academic prowess, Clough experienced a crisis of faith and left Oxford without a degree. He traveled extensively, spending time in Paris and Rome, and eventually found work as an educational administrator. Clough’s poetry often grappled with the social and religious upheavals of his time. His major works include “The Bothie of Tober-na-Vuolich” and “Amours de Voyage,” as well as numerous shorter poems. His style is characterized by a blend of classical forms with a modern sensibility, and he is often noted for his skepticism and liberalism. In 1854, Clough moved to the United States to work at the Boston Custom House. He later returned to England and took up a position as an examiner in the Education Office. Despite his relatively short life, Clough’s work has had a lasting impact, influencing poets such as Matthew Arnold and Thomas Hardy.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Hugh Clough

1. Clough was a close friend of Florence Nightingale and assisted her in administrative tasks during the Crimean War.

2. He was known for his skepticism and often questioned established religious doctrines, which is evident in his poetry.

3. Clough was a pioneer in experimenting with verse forms, including hexameters and blank verse, bringing a modern touch to classical structures.

4. His poem “Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth” became particularly popular during World War II, as it resonated with the sentiments of perseverance and hope.

5. Clough’s life and work influenced many contemporaries and later poets, including Matthew Arnold, who wrote a memorial poem for him.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Hugh Clough

1. “Say not the struggle naught availeth.”

2. “Thou shalt not kill; but need’st not strive officiously to keep alive.”

3. “If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars.”

4. “It fortifies my soul to know that, though I perish, Truth is so.”

5. “Where lies the land to which yon ship must go?”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Arthur Hugh Clough did not achieve significant financial wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth was modest, reflective of a career primarily in academia and civil service.