Matthew Arnold's "Dover Beach"

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer analyses themes, symbols and images in Matthew Arnold's most famous poem, "Dover Beach." The writer discusses Arnold's sense of isolation, sadness and loneliness. The writer also looks at Arnold's pessimism and his belief that a loss of faith caused the hopelessness of his time.

From the Paper:

"In 'Dover Beach' Matthew Arnold introduces the dominant image in the first line of the poem 'the sea is calm tonight'. The sea is both a symbol and a metaphor referencing the eternal note of sadness as well as the Sea of Faith. The poem in essence reflects the religious philosophy and the loneliness and isolation that Arnold is said by critics including John S. Reist, to have experienced Arnold's belief that the human condition in his own era ... "

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