Dover Beach

I am by no means a poet, or even a reader of poetry.  Actually, when we covered poetry in my creative writing class at Northeast, the instructor actually announced to the class - after having read one of my terrible poetic attempts - "now, Jessie is not a poet..." (which was, by the way, less than flattering).  But, when we covered "Dover Beach" in that class, I was intrigued.  I've always been a sucker for tragic love - or, failing that, tragic circumstance.

We read part of the poem aloud in class, but I suggest that you read the entire piece, which you can find here.  

Or, if you would prefer to listen to an explication, I have provided one below.  The pictures you see in the explication are of Dover Beach. 

Arnold may have written this poem on his honeymoon with Frances Lucy.  According to The Victorian Web, Arnold had been in love with her for a year before they were finally married.  He had asked Frances Lucy's father for her hand soon after meeting her, but Arnold was denied because he lacked financial stability.  Later, Arnold took a job as an Inspector of Schools.  Only then did Frances Lucy's father consent to the marriage, because Arnold was making much more money and could support a family.  He and Frances Lucy honeymooned at Dover Beach, which is why many believe the poem was composed then.  However, Arnold had visited Dover Beach a few months before, so he could have composed a draft of it then.

Could you imagine your new husband composing such a melancholy poem on your honeymoon?!

But, Arnold had a lot to be sour about.  As "Dover Beach" alludes, he was quickly losing faith in humanity. 

Works Cited
http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/arnold/touche2.html