英国维多利亚时期著名评论家兼诗人马修·阿诺德倡导“人生批评”论。文章认为“人生批评”论不仅指明了进行文学创作的途径、强调了文学作品的社会功能,而且是评论文学作品优劣的标准。在浪漫主义大行其道的19世纪,英国社会出现精神支柱坍塌、信仰崩溃现象,阿诺德适时提出“人生批评”论,彰显了其社会责任感。全面审视与解读“人生批评”论的深刻内涵,对于我们今天的文学创作仍不乏借鉴和启迪。 Matthew Arnold, a famous critic and poet in the Victorian period of the United Kingdom, advocated “criticism of life ”. The article holds that “criticism of life ” not only points out the way to conduct literary creation, emphasizes the social function of literary works, but also the standard of commentary on the pros and cons of literary works. In the 19th century when romanticism prevailed, there was a collapse of spiritual pillars and a breakdown of faith in British society. Arnold timely put forward his theory of “life criticism”, demonstrating his sense of social responsibility. A comprehensive examination and interpretation of the profound connotation of the theory of life criticism still lacks reference and enlightenment for our literary creation today.