Question

What literary devices does Arnold use to convey his message in Dover Beach?

• A. Alliteration, metaphors, and rhetorical questions
• B. Vivid imagery, historical allusions, and an emotional plea
• C. Symbolism, personification, and irony
• D. Oxymoron, hyperbole, and stream of consciousness

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Vivid imagery, historical allusions, and an emotional plea

• Vivid Imagery → Arnold creates strong visual and auditory images to evoke emotions.

  • Example: “The sea is calm tonight. The tide is full, the moon lies fair” (a peaceful scene).

  • Example: “The eternal note of sadness” (introduces melancholy).

  • Example: “Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar” (depicts the retreat of faith).

• Historical Allusions → Arnold references Sophocles, a Greek playwright, who also heard the sound of waves and associated it with human suffering. This allusion connects past and present struggles, emphasizing that doubt and despair are timeless themes.

• Emotional Plea → In the final stanza, the speaker pleads for love and companionship, suggesting that human connection is the only refuge in an uncertain world.