Matthew Arnold’s Dover Beach refers to his feelings of despair and fluctuation associated with spiritual crisis in the changing world of the Victorian era
Matthew Arnold's poem "Dover Beach" reflects his personal turmoil and his portrayal of the spiritual crisis he felt during the Victorian era. The poem captures the speaker's sense of despair and uncertainty as he contemplates the shifting values and beliefs of his time.
The poem begins with a serene description of the beach at Dover, invoking a peaceful and natural setting. However, this tranquility is soon disrupted by the underlying theme of instability and uncertainty, represented by the "eternal note of sadness" that resonates in the "ebb and flow" of the sea. This metaphorical description of the tide symbolizes the constant fluctuation and change occurring in the Victorian era, which profoundly affected Arnold and his contemporaries.
Arnold's concerns about the erosion of traditional religious faith are evident in the poem. He alludes to the "Sea of Faith" that once "was once, too, at the full" but is now retreating. This metaphorical sea symbolizes a time when religion provided a firm and unwavering foundation for people's lives. The diminishing tide of faith represents the decline of religious belief in the face of scientific advancements and social changes during the Victorian era.
Arnold's own spiritual crisis is evident as he grapples with the loss of this religious certainty. He describes the world as a "darkling plain" and feels like a "man . . . alone and aware." This feeling of isolation and disillusionment reflects his personal struggle to find meaning and purpose in a changing world. The absence of a higher power to guide and direct humanity adds to his feelings of despair and emptiness.
Despite the bleak portrayal of a world in decline, Arnold suggests that love can provide solace and a temporary escape from this harsh reality. The speaker turns to his beloved and implores her to be true and steadfast, as their love becomes a source of refuge and stability amidst the chaos and turmoil of the Victorian era.
In summary, Matthew Arnold's "Dover Beach" expresses his feelings of despair and fluctuation associated with a spiritual crisis in the changing world of the Victorian era. The poem reflects Arnold's personal struggle with the decline of religious faith and his search for meaning in an uncertain and evolving society.