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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker observes the calm sea and moonlit straits, noting the distant lights and quiet coast.
In plain terms
The sea is calm and the moon is bright over the straits tonight.
What can you take from it?
Quiet natural scenes can evoke deep thought or peace.

Where it applies

  • describing scenery
  • evening walks
  • contemplation

Putting it to work

  • writing nature poetry
  • finding calm in surroundings

Questions to consider

  • What does calmness remind you of?
  • How does nature affect your mood?

Another view

The scene is calm but may mask underlying tensions or feelings not stated.

More from Matthew Arnold

  1. Why faintest thou! I wander'd till I died. Roam on! The light we sought is shining still. Dost thou ask proof? Our tree yet crowns the hill, Our Scholar travel…

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  2. Listen! you hear the grating roar Of pebbles which the waves draw back, and fling, At their return, up the high strand, Begin, and cease, and then again begin,…

    Permalink to quote #95
  3. Hear it, O Thyrsis, still our tree is there!- Ah, vain! These English fields, this upland dim, These brambles pale with mist engarlanded, That lone, sky-pointi…

    Permalink to quote #92

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