Dover Beach

Throughout the entire poem of "Dover Beach", Matthew Arnold keeps a rhythm through punctuation. It becomes another example of the waves that crash into the English cliffs. Especially in the following line, "Begin, and cease, and then again begin (892)" demonstrates a wavelike rhythm. Each punctuation and beginning of the next line allows the reader to pause for a short time. It symbolizes the sounds of the waves crashing. It contributes to the overall imagery of the cliffs on Dover Beach, which is given a long description within the first stanza. He calls it a "tranquil bay" with "sweet night air". Along with the vivid imagery, the reader is allowed to hear the consistent sounds of the bay. The poem combines the senses, especially sight and sound. It demonstrates the beauty of the sea.