Existential Uncertainty, Loneliness and Suffering in Arnold’s “Dover Beach”

Abstract

The poem, “Dover Beach” (1867), is the dramatic epitome of Matthew Arnold’s pensive contemplation of the inner self reconciled with the outer world. According to the poet, poetry is the criticism of life, which should be used to spread the philosophical way of thinking. He further says that true happiness comes from within. So, people should seek happiness within themselves while accepting outward things. However, Arnold argues that people should not live in the belief that they will one day inherit eternal bliss. We should moderate our desires and expectations rather than merely dreaming of something that may never be attained. Such a philosophy of life is the poem's central idea.