Why Does Mathew Arnold Allude to Sophocles in 'Dover Beach'? An Analysis of Literary Connections and Historical Context

Mathew Arnold's poem, Dover Beach, is a masterpiece of Victorian literature that explores themes of love, loss, and the decline of faith in the modern world. In this excerpt, Arnold mentions Sophocles, the great Greek playwright, as a way of drawing a comparison between the ancient world and the modern one. But why does Arnold choose Sophocles, and what does he hope to achieve by referencing him?

Firstly, it is important to note that Arnold was an influential literary critic as well as a poet. He believed that literature had the power to shape society and that the classics were an essential part of any education. By mentioning Sophocles, Arnold is signaling to his readers that he is well-versed in the classics and that his work should be taken seriously.

Furthermore, Sophocles was known for his tragic plays that dealt with themes of fate and the human condition. Arnold, too, is exploring these same themes in Dover Beach, as he contemplates the uncertain future of humanity in the face of scientific progress and the erosion of traditional values.

Arnold's reference to Sophocles also serves to highlight the contrast between the ancient world and the modern one. The Greeks believed in gods and goddesses who controlled the fate of mortals, while the Victorians were grappling with the idea that there might not be any divine plan or purpose to life at all.

Arnold writes, The Sea of Faith / Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore / Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled. / But now I only hear / Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar. Here, the sea is a metaphor for faith, which used to be all-encompassing but is now receding like the tide.

The reference to Sophocles, then, is not just a nod to the classics but a way of framing Arnold's own concerns about the state of the world. He is suggesting that the human condition has not changed much over the centuries and that we are still grappling with the same fundamental questions about existence and meaning.

In conclusion, Arnold's mention of Sophocles in Dover Beach serves multiple purposes. It establishes his credibility as a literary critic and signals to his readers that his work should be taken seriously. It also highlights the contrast between the ancient world and the modern one and suggests that the same themes and concerns have persisted throughout history. Ultimately, Arnold uses Sophocles as a way of exploring his own anxieties about the future and the decline of faith in the modern world.

Introduction

In this article, we will explore why Mathew Arnold mentions Sophocles in his poem Dover Beach. The poem is a reflection on the loss of faith and the erosion of traditional values in modern society. Arnold was a Victorian poet and critic who believed that literature had the power to provide moral guidance to society. He drew inspiration from classical literature and mythology, and Sophocles was one of his favorite authors. By examining Arnold's use of Sophocles in Dover Beach, we can gain insight into his views on the role of art in society and the human condition.

The Poem “Dover Beach”

Dover Beach is a poem that was written by Mathew Arnold in 1867. The poem describes a scene on the English coast, where the speaker is looking out at the sea and reflecting on the state of the world. The speaker expresses a sense of melancholy and despair, as he observes the ebb and flow of the tide. The poem has been interpreted in many different ways, but most critics agree that it is a meditation on the decline of faith and the rise of skepticism in modern society.

The Use of Quotation From Sophocles

One of the most striking features of Dover Beach is the quotation from Sophocles that appears in the fourth stanza. The speaker says: And we are here as on a darkling plain Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, Where ignorant armies clash by night.This passage is taken from Sophocles' play, Ajax. In the original context, the lines describe the aftermath of a battle between the Greeks and Trojans during the Trojan War. Ajax, a Greek warrior, is struggling with depression and contemplating suicide. The lines describe the chaos and confusion of war, where the fate of individuals is determined by larger forces beyond their control.

The Connection Between Sophocles and Arnold

The use of this quotation from Sophocles is significant because it reveals the connection between the ancient Greek playwright and Arnold's own concerns about the human condition. Arnold was deeply influenced by Greek literature and philosophy, and he believed that the works of the ancient Greeks had much to teach modern society. In particular, he was drawn to the tragic plays of Sophocles, which dealt with themes of fate, morality, and the limitations of human knowledge. Arnold saw in the tragedies of Sophocles a reflection of his own concerns about the decline of faith and the erosion of traditional values in Victorian England.

The Theme of Struggle

The quotation from Sophocles in Dover Beach emphasizes the theme of struggle that runs throughout the poem. The speaker describes the world as a place of chaos and confusion, where people are caught up in confused alarms of struggle and flight. This sense of struggle is reflected in the imagery of the sea, which is described as the eternal note of sadness and the turbid ebb and flow of human misery. The use of the quotation from Sophocles adds to the sense of struggle and reinforces the idea that human beings are powerless in the face of larger forces beyond their control.

The Theme of Ignorance

Another important theme in Dover Beach is the theme of ignorance. The speaker describes the world as a place of darkness and confusion, where people are ignorant armies fighting in the dark. This idea of ignorance is related to Arnold's belief that modern society had lost its sense of purpose and direction. He believed that people had become too focused on material success and had lost sight of the moral values that were necessary for a healthy society. The use of the quotation from Sophocles reinforces this idea by emphasizing the limitations of human knowledge and the tendency of people to act blindly in the face of larger forces beyond their control.

The Theme of Faith

The theme of faith is also central to Dover Beach. The speaker expresses a sense of despair at the loss of faith in God and the erosion of traditional values. He describes the world as a place of ignorant armies and melancholy, long, withdrawing roar – a metaphor for the loss of faith that is felt throughout the poem. The use of the quotation from Sophocles adds to this sense of despair by emphasizing the idea that human beings are powerless in the face of larger forces beyond their control. Arnold believed that the decline of faith was a major problem in society and that literature had the power to provide moral guidance and restore faith in humanity.

The Role of Art in Society

Arnold believed that art had a vital role to play in society. He saw literature as a means of providing moral guidance and restoring faith in humanity. In Dover Beach, he uses the quotation from Sophocles to remind his readers of the power of literature to connect us with the past and provide insight into the human condition. He believed that by studying the works of the ancient Greeks, modern society could gain a better understanding of the nature of human existence and the role of art in shaping our lives.

The Importance of Tradition

Another important theme in Dover Beach is the importance of tradition. Arnold believed that tradition provided a sense of continuity and stability in an ever-changing world. He saw the decline of tradition as a major problem in Victorian England and believed that literature had the power to preserve and transmit traditional values. The use of the quotation from Sophocles reinforces this idea by reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and learning from the wisdom of our ancestors.

The Human Condition

Ultimately, the use of the quotation from Sophocles in Dover Beach highlights Arnold's preoccupation with the human condition. He was concerned with the existential questions of life – the nature of reality, the limitations of human knowledge, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world. By drawing on the works of the ancient Greeks, he hoped to provide insight into these questions and offer guidance to his readers. The use of the quotation from Sophocles is a powerful reminder of the enduring value of classical literature and its ability to speak to the universal experiences of the human condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mathew Arnold's use of Sophocles in Dover Beach is significant because it reveals his preoccupation with the human condition and his belief in the power of literature to provide moral guidance. The quotation from Sophocles emphasizes themes of struggle, ignorance, and faith that run throughout the poem, and reinforces Arnold's belief in the importance of tradition and the role of art in society. By examining Arnold's use of Sophocles in Dover Beach, we gain insight into his views on the human condition and the enduring value of classical literature.

Introducing the Literary Context: A Brief Overview of Mathew Arnold's “Dover Beach”

Mathew Arnold, a renowned Victorian poet and critic, wrote Dover Beach in 1867. The poem is known for its melancholic and introspective tone that reflects Arnold's concerns about the erosion of faith and the general sense of disillusionment in the modern world. The poem is a reflection on the nature of human existence in the face of an uncertain future.

The Poetic Language of the Excerpt: A Closer Look

Arnold's use of poetic language in Dover Beach is particularly striking. He employs metaphors and images to convey his central themes of loss, isolation, and despair. His imagery is hauntingly beautiful, as he describes the eternal note of sadness that hath been, nor ever shall be, / In the salt waste. The use of these vivid images creates a sense of overwhelming sadness that permeates the entire poem.

The Role of Sophocles in Arnold's Poem: An Introduction

Sophocles, a Greek playwright from the fifth century BC, plays a significant role in Arnold's poem. He mentions Sophocles in the final stanza, where he refers to the Sophoclean sea. Arnold uses this reference to establish a connection between his own contemporary world and the ancient Greek culture. The mention of Sophocles also serves as a bridge between the ancient world and the modern world.

The Tragic Vision of Sophocles: Connection to “Dover Beach”

Sophocles is known for his tragic plays that explore the dark side of human existence. His works often deal with themes of loss, suffering, and the inevitability of death. Arnold's poem shares many of these themes, and his reference to Sophocles is a reflection of his own tragic vision of the world. By invoking Sophocles, Arnold suggests that the human condition is a universal experience that transcends time and culture.

“Dover Beach” as a Response to the Modern World: Sophocles’ Influence

Arnold's poem can also be seen as a response to the modern world and its challenges. The rapid pace of social and technological change in the Victorian era created a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. Arnold's reference to Sophocles serves as a reminder that the struggles of the human condition are not unique to his own time but have been present throughout history. The influence of Sophocles' tragic vision on Arnold's poem is a way of contextualizing the contemporary moment within the broader scope of human history.

The Ancient Mythos in Arnold's Modern World: A Contrast

Arnold's reference to Sophocles is also significant because it highlights the contrast between the ancient world and the modern world. The Aegean Sea, which is mentioned in the final stanza of the poem, is a symbol of the ancient Greek culture and its mythology. Arnold juxtaposes this image with the modern world of ignorant armies and confused alarms to create a sense of tension between the past and the present.

The Importance of Mythology in Arnold's Poetry: A Discussion

The use of mythology is a recurring theme in Arnold's poetry, and it is particularly evident in Dover Beach. Arnold employs mythology to explore universal truths about the human condition. He draws upon the ancient stories and symbols to create a sense of continuity and connection between the past and the present. Arnold's use of mythology is a way of transcending time and culture to reveal the underlying truths of human existence.

The Universal Appeal of Sophocles’ Themes: Relevance to Modern Life

The themes explored by Sophocles in his plays are universal and continue to resonate with modern audiences. The struggles of the human condition, including loss, suffering, and the inevitability of death, are still relevant today. Arnold's reference to Sophocles in Dover Beach serves as a reminder that these themes are not unique to his own time but have been present throughout history.

The Concluding Metaphor: Analyzing the Significance of the Aegean Sea

The final stanza of Dover Beach includes the metaphor of the Aegean Sea. The image of the sea serves as a symbol of the ancient Greek culture and its mythology. It also represents a sense of continuity and connection between the past and the present. Arnold uses this metaphor to suggest that despite the challenges of the modern world, there is still beauty and meaning to be found in the ancient stories and symbols.

The Enduring Legacy of Arnold's “Dover Beach”: A Reflection on Sophocles and the Human Condition

Arnold's poem Dover Beach continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of loss, isolation, and despair are universal and timeless. The reference to Sophocles serves as a reminder that the struggles of the human condition are not unique to any particular time or culture. Arnold's use of mythology to explore these themes is a testament to the enduring power of ancient stories and symbols. Dover Beach is a reflection on the nature of human existence that continues to inspire and provoke thought today.

Storytelling: Why Does Mathew Arnold Mention Sophocles In This Excerpt From “Dover Beach”?

The Excerpt

The sea is calm tonight.The tide is full, the moon lies fairUpon the straits; on the French coast, the lightGleams and is gone; the cliffs of England stand,Glimmering and vast, out in the tranquil bay.Come to the window, sweet is the night-air!Only, from the long line of sprayWhere the sea meets the moon-blanched land,Listen! you hear the grating roarOf pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling,At their return, up the high strand,Begin, and cease, and then again begin,With tremulous cadence slow, and bringThe eternal note of sadness in.Sophocles long agoHeard it on the Aegean, and it broughtInto his mind the turbid ebb and flowOf human misery; weFind also in the sound a thought,Hearing it by this distant northern sea.

The Point of View

As I read through this excerpt from “Dover Beach,” I can feel the deep sense of melancholy that Mathew Arnold is trying to convey. The tone of his writing is empathetic as he tries to connect with the reader through the description of the sea and its eternal note of sadness. The mention of Sophocles is not an accident; it is a deliberate attempt to link the current state of the world with the tragedy and despair that has existed throughout history.

Keywords:

Mathew Arnold
Sophocles
Dover Beach
Sea
Melancholy
Tone
Empathetic
Tragedy
Despair

Information about Keywords:

Mathew Arnold: Mathew Arnold was an English poet and cultural critic who lived during the Victorian era. He is best known for his elegiac poems that express a sense of loss and melancholy.
Sophocles: Sophocles was a Greek playwright who lived in the 5th century BC. He is one of the three great tragedians of ancient Greece, along with Aeschylus and Euripides.
Dover Beach: “Dover Beach” is a poem by Mathew Arnold that was published in 1867. It is considered one of his most famous works and is known for its powerful imagery and melancholy tone.
Sea: The sea is a recurring motif in “Dover Beach” and represents the eternal sadness and despair that exists throughout human history.
Melancholy: Melancholy is a feeling of deep sadness or sorrow. It is a central theme in “Dover Beach” and is used to convey the sense of loss and despair that Mathew Arnold is trying to express.
Tone: Tone refers to the writer’s attitude towards their subject matter. In “Dover Beach,” Mathew Arnold’s tone is empathetic and melancholy.
Empathetic: Empathetic refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Mathew Arnold’s writing in “Dover Beach” is empathetic towards the reader, as he tries to connect with them through his depiction of the sea and its eternal note of sadness.
Tragedy: Tragedy refers to a serious and often fatal event or outcome. It is a recurring theme in “Dover Beach” and is used to express the sense of loss and despair that exists throughout human history.
Despair: Despair refers to a feeling of hopelessness or helplessness. It is a central theme in “Dover Beach” and is used to convey the sense of loss and melancholy that Mathew Arnold is trying to express.

Thank You for Joining Me on this Journey of Literary Analysis

As we come to the end of our journey through Mathew Arnold's poem Dover Beach, I would like to take a moment to thank you for joining me in this exploration of literature. We have examined the themes and motifs that Arnold employs in this poem to convey his message about the state of society during the Victorian era, and how it relates to our modern times.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dover Beach is Arnold's reference to Sophocles. He uses this ancient Greek playwright to draw a parallel between the decline of classical culture and the decline of faith in modern times. By referencing Sophocles, Arnold is able to connect the two eras and emphasize the cyclical nature of societal decline.

In the excerpt where Arnold mentions Sophocles, he writes:

The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled.
But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,
Retreating, to the breath
Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear
And naked shingles of the world.

Here, Arnold is describing the loss of faith as a receding tide, and he compares it to the sound of the sea retreating from the shore. This metaphor is not only beautiful, but it also emphasizes the idea of impermanence and the inevitability of change.

Arnold's reference to Sophocles is essential to understanding the overarching message of Dover Beach. Sophocles was a prominent playwright in ancient Greece, and his works were considered classics. Arnold is suggesting that the decline of classical culture in ancient times is comparable to the decline of faith in modern times. By referencing Sophocles, Arnold is able to remind us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and holding onto values that have stood the test of time.

As we come to the end of our journey through Dover Beach, I hope that you have gained a deeper understanding of the themes and motifs that Arnold employs in this poem. The reference to Sophocles is just one of many literary devices that Arnold uses to convey his message about the state of society during the Victorian era. By examining this poem, we are able to gain insight into the human experience and how it has evolved throughout history.

Thank you again for joining me on this journey, and I hope that you will continue to explore literature and the many ways in which it can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us.

Why Does Mathew Arnold Mention Sophocles In This Excerpt From “Dover Beach”?

Answer

Mathew Arnold mentions Sophocles in “Dover Beach” to emphasize the contrast between the ancient world and the modern world. Sophocles represents the ancient world, which had a strong sense of purpose and order, while the modern world is characterized by uncertainty and a loss of direction. Arnold suggests that the modern world has lost something precious that was present in the ancient world, and by invoking Sophocles, he highlights the contrast between these two worlds.

Overall, Arnold's use of Sophocles in “Dover Beach” is a powerful metaphor for the loss of faith and purpose in the modern world.

Arnold uses imagery of the sea to convey uncertainty and despair.
Sophocles represents the ancient world with a strong sense of order and purpose.
The modern world is characterized by uncertainty and a lack of direction.
By invoking Sophocles, Arnold suggests that the modern world has lost something precious.