I read the poems Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold and My Husband’s Back by Susan Minot, and first of all I found that both of these poems were very depressing but they both talked about how they hoped love could some how take them both out of their depression. I have to answer this question that went along with this assignment too: Would you agree with some critics who see the speakers in these two poems as stereotypically male and female? Why? Well I would agree that the poem by Susan Minot is stereotypical of a female but I would not agree with Matthew Arnold’s poem as being stereotypical of a male.

           

The poem by Susan Minot talks about a woman who is going through rough times at home. The baby is sick with the flu and she is stuck at home trying to cook. It seems like it is winter time and fire won’t light and she is very tired. Many women have these kind of days, especially mothers, when things just are not going well and they need rest but have to keep going even through the pain. She looks toward her husband and his love to get her through the tough times. It is clear that she is very much in love with him and that she looks toward him for strength to make it to the next day. It is stereotypical for people to think that women are weak and need a man to help them.

Matthew Arnold’s poem Dover Beach talks of a man who doesn’t see any joy in life. He sees the misery in the world. It is possible he is talking about war and many problems going on in the world. The speaker seems to be on the beach just watching the waves rolling and thinking of his life and how he needs love to be happy. He speaks his feelings and how love is a beautiful thing.  A stereotypical male usually tries to act strong and doesn’t show their feelings. Like the quote says “grown men don’t cry.”