Final answer:
The passage is from the poem 'Dover Beach' by Matthew Arnold, representing the passing of time and eternal sadness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is English. The given passage is a line from the poem 'Dover Beach' by Matthew Arnold. In this specific stanza, the waves are used as a metaphor for the passing of time. The pebbles being drawn back and flung up the high strand represent the continuous cycle of life and the transient nature of human emotions, bringing a sense of eternal sadness. This imagery evokes a reflective and melancholic tone in the poem.
Learn more about Metaphors in poetry