Question

What is the meaning of the simile “a bright girdle” in this excerpt from “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold?

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

answers:
a.) It suggests the greatness of an era when England was a world power and commercial success.
b.) It critiques the society of the poet's time for conforming too strictly to convention.
c.) It refers to the feeling of support and belonging that people once felt in happier times.
d.) It highlights the contrast between the vast seascape and the narrow world of the poet.

Answer 1

The meaning of the simile “a bright girdle” in this excerpt from “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold is that a.) It suggests the greatness of an era when England was a world power and commercial success.

Answer 2

The answer is:

d.) It highlights the contrast between the vast seascape and the narrow world of the poet.

In the poem "“Dover Beach” the author Matthew Arnold makes reference to the greatness of the ocean, and describes it as if it were a belt of faith surrounding the earth. However, he suggests the sea is getting lower and that his faith is going away with the tide. As a consequence, the lack of faith gives him a feeling of sorrow.