Dover Beach Central Idea by Matthew Arnold: 2022

In this write-up, we have attempted the central idea of Dover Beach, a popular poem written by Matthew Arnold. Do take a look at the short write-up and don’t forget to share your views in the comments section.

In this poem, Arnold expresses his grief and lament for the rapid and inevitable decline in religious faith in the mid 1800s. Arnold mourns of a society that has lost its cultural, moral and spiritual significance, giving rise to cruelty, deception, uncertainty and hopelessness. After providing the readers with a vivid graphical impression of the sea, the poet presents the grieving aspect of the declining faith in God and religion through the symbol of the sea. The religious and spiritual faith that was once glorified has started to lose its lustre. In such a phase of futility, Arnold expresses the belief that only true love can succeed in giving the petty, Godless world a meaning. He seeks the comfort of love and urges the lovers to support each other through thick and thin. Love is the ultimate solace in a world taken over by fear, anger, uncertainty and pain. The concluding line, however, stresses on the horror and brutality persisting in the world, depriving people of joy and harmony. The loss of faith has made human civilization numb. Do let us know your views!