What did Matthew Arnold mean by the modern element in literature?

In his inaugural lecture as the Oxford Professor of Poetry, Matthew Arnold defined the "modern element" in literature not as a chronological term referring to contemporary works, but as a specific intellectual and spiritual state.1

For Arnold, a "modern" age is one that contemplates the vast, complex spectacle of life and, in response, experiences a profound craving for moral and intellectual "deliverance". He argued that this spirit is not exclusive to the 19th century; for instance, he considered ancient Greece to be "modern" in this sense because it possessed the necessary maturity and critical awareness to grapple with the complexities of human existence.1

Ultimately, Arnold used this concept to advocate for literature that could provide "moral grandeur" and serve as a remedy for the "spiritual discomfort" and "divided aims" of his own time. By studying such literature, he believed society could move beyond provinciality and achieve a more informed, balanced perspective on life.12