The Clashing of Sight and Sound

In Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold, the imagery between sight and sound clash. Sight is described as calm, full, glimmering, and vast. It is described pleasantly and creates a peaceful and relaxing scene. The sound, however, paints a different picture. The sea has a grating roar, perpetual sadness, and an unpleasant harshness. This sea is then compared to a sea of faith and ultimately the world. "Faith/Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore" (Arnold, 892). Faith has become like other seas, becoming harsh and sad. The world is a harsh and "stinko" place. The fourth stanza indicates that love is the only solution to surviving this harsh world. It only appears to be good and awesome because of our eyes, but our ears reveal the truth that this world is harsh.