The overall message about Faith in the excerpt from "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold conveys that it is Lost. The speaker reflects on how faith was once widespread and full, but now it is retreating and dwindling, symbolized by the “melancholy, long, withdrawing roar” of the sea. This imagery suggests a sense of loss and longing for the faith that once provided a comforting presence, indicating a move towards a more bleak and uncertain worldview.
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
Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold
In the story above and referenced in the book , what is the overall message about Faith?
Group of answer choices
It never existed
It is Lost
It is always strong
It is returning
1 answer