A Comparison of Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold and Prayer Before Brith by Louis MacNeice

A Comparison of Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold and Prayer Before Brith by Louis MacNeice

'Dover Beach' by Matthew Arnold, written in 1867, and 'Prayer Before

Birth' written in 1951 by Louis MacNeice share many similarities

despite being written nearly on hundred years apart from each other.

This essay will explore the issues and ideas that both poems share, in

addition to drawing attention to some of the key differences.

'Dover Beach' is about the thoughts of a man on his honeymoon, who

shares his sentiments about the suffering of the world and that fact

that his 'love' is the only thing which is positive about his life.

'Prayer Before Birth' describes the thoughts of an unborn child,

making a plea to be kept safe against the dangers of the earth. Both

poems refer to, are about, are interested in, and are concerned with

criticism of the world, and distressed narrators; while some

differences can be observed. For example: The unborn child in 'Prayer

Before Birth' is certain of what the world is like, and he knows what

might happen to him. Matthew Arnold, on the other hand expresses

uncertainty in his poem. Even with slight differences, the predominant

themes /preoccupations of the two poems are the same.

It is clear that both poets feel disillusioned with life, and consider

that there is little in life which is joyful or cause for optimism.

Indeed, Matthew Arnold refers to a world which, "Hath really neither

joy, nor love, nor light, nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for

pain." Louis MacNeice is much more specific in is list of things which

bring pain to individuals: the lectures of old men, the strife with

bureaucracy, the humilia...

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... free thinking of

his own. To him, this is a fate worse than death, and he would rather

die.

What I think, is that the two poems are similar, because they are both

evoke depressed feelings coming form the poet. Especially 'Prayer

Before Birth', because how can a fetus be so incredibly pessimistic?

'Dover Beach' in my opinion is more poetic and more symbolic, and much

more profound; whereas 'Prayer Before Birth' is more superficial and

straightforward. I personally preferred 'Dover Beach' because of its

vivid imagery, and subtle references to religion. I also feel sorry

for Matthew Arnold, because when he wrote that beautiful poem, he was

feeling anxiety, and uncertainty. He defiantly was not content whilst

writing 'Dover Beach.' On the other hand I believe that Louis MacNeice

was being cynical, and narrow minded.