Write an essay on the critical appreciation of Dover Beach.

Ans.

Introduction

Published in New Poems in 1867 Dover Beach is Arnold’s early poem. Immediately after his marriage with Frances Lucy Wightman, he visited Dover Beach with her. Yet he does not feel happy nor does he romanticise the poem. He laments here the loss of faith in religion which is the sole characteristic of Victorian era. The poem’s note is melancholic. It is at once religious, philosophical and emotional.

Melancholic Note

Arnold is basically too philosophical and intellectual to be lyrical. Dover Beach is a short lyric having subjective note. It embraces a great range and depth of significance. He discloses the melancholic thought of the inevitable decline of religious faith. He realizes that a love and a belief and good relationship may be realized even in the hostile world. Victorian era was progressing enough in wealth. People were running after money and pleasure. They had no mental peace. Arnold wanted to convey that there is no use of wealth and prosperity if it cannot provide the moments of mental peace. Moreover the nations were trying to get freedom and all around there was a chaotic situation. Therefore the poet does not enjoy the natural beauty.

Development of Thought

The poem Dover Beach opens in a house from where the poet is watching the sea and waves. He finds waves coming and withdrawing from the shore. There was a pretty spray of water drops. All around there is glitter of moon beams. The poet listens the rubbing-sound of the small stones in the waves. This is “eternal note of sadness”. Sweet air, moon-blanched land, French coast and cliffs of England create a pretty phenomena. The same voice of small stones was heard by Sophocles long ago. The poet calls his wife to watch it all. Soon the poet feels deep-rooted melancholy in his heart. He feels that here is no love, calm, leisure and faith in this world. This is a world of dreams where the armies clash by night. He gives the message to remain with love following the religious conception.

Modern Note of the Poem

In the Victorian era poor grew poorer and rich became capitalist. Families were breaking. People grew individualists. He found a note of alienation in the society. The idea of isolation is deeply rooted in the modern age. The poet cries in the night for the light, for the world is a darkling plain and a world of dreams. People today are to feel this world like an exile. They have lost their sense of integration and identity, and are cut oil from society. The people were running behind money and this process is in continuity. No matter that the tragedy of mankind is in the hands of some superpower out he suggests to grow intellectual and religious, He summons watch carefully with eyes and condemns the fighting in the nights. The poet mourns the loss of religious faith.

Language

Arnold uses simple language to his purpose. He, on the one hand describes about natural beauty and on the other hand during his metaphoric use he solves his purpose of religious message. He uses fine phrases in the grating roar, moon-blanched land. land of dreams, sea of faith and bright girdle furled, etc. He uses commas to fill much meaning and contents in the fewest possible words. The poem is a good combination of natural beauty, melancholic tone and didactic suggestions.