“A Pause of Thought” wonderfully portrays the internal conflict people had in relation to the social and political unrest of the 19th century. It could speak to numerous issues, such as marriage and social status, but one that was most apparent was the struggle in the search for faith and truth behind religion. This poem opens with the line of “I looked for that which is not, nor can be”. It then goes on to say how they waited and searched for this, but in vain. Though critical of the idea, they never lost sight of it and seemed as if they were disappointed in themselves that they could not. I interpret this thing or being that the author is searching for to be God and faith in her or him.
During this era of revolution, many people found themselves to be uprooted from their stable, traditional values they held dear. Many things were left to the unknown and societal norms and morals were in question. Confusion rose and so did the question of faith. People wanted to find answers to transform their beliefs into concrete facts, but something like spirituality and religion is difficult to prove. Frustration in the search of answers consumed the thoughts of those who found themselves in this state.
A differing factor that led to the question of God and religion was the fact that many other things were also being questioned, tested, and in a state of unrest. People have the tendency to find someone or something to bring blame upon when something they see as negative is happening outside of their own control. It has seemed that God was often this scapegoat. Though many attributed all good things to God and the glorious wonders brought about through her or him, they are also quick to blame when something goes wrong. Because of this philosophy, the issue of unrest in other areas very well could have led to the questioning of faith.
Whether it be from the search of the unknown or the overall turmoil of this time period, the faith in God was in great question at this time. Though many people were not able to outwardly express their doubts because of social or legal repercussions, the issue is extremely prevelent in many works during the 19th century.