How do the women react to Dover Beach?

In Matthew Arnold's poem "Dover Beach," the women, while listening to the speaker, react with varying emotions. Here's a breakdown of their reactions:

The First Woman:

- She shows a sense of confusion and uncertainty.

- She questions if she should rely on the speaker or follow her own intuition.

- Her hesitation reflects the struggle between listening to others' beliefs and trusting one's inner feelings.

The Second Woman:

- She appears more decisive compared to the first woman.

- She's resolved to follow her "own light," suggesting a degree of independence and self-reliance.

- Her response signifies a choice to forge her own path rather than blindly accepting others' viewpoints.

The Third Woman:

- She's described as "bent with age."

- Her reaction to the speaker's words is brief, consisting of a single line: "Ah, love, let us be true to one another!"

- This response suggests a desire for fidelity and commitment in relationships, possibly hinting at long-term companionship.

The Fourth Woman:

- Her reaction is one of complete devotion and submission to the speaker.

- She blindly follows his words, even if she doesn't understand them fully.

- Her response highlights the power dynamic in the relationship, with the speaker being the dominant force.

These differing responses from the women showcase a spectrum of perspectives. From confusion to self-reliance, devotion to questioning, the poem explores the diverse reactions individuals may have to the speaker's ideas and the influence of others on their beliefs.