In Matthew Arnold's "Dover Beach," Arnold narrates his thoughts during his honeymoon. He begins positive and uses the waves in and out action as symbolism. He fears he is too much like "ebb and flow." He is afraid his marriage will not perfect and Arnold displays some major doubts in his own faith.

"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."

Matthew Arnold displays a prime example how everyone can lose a little faith here and there, even in prosperous times. Eventually, he knows, everything will be all right.

The poem reminds me of the music of a band called "Lifehouse." While reading the...