Roland’s success through his self-reliance and self-will complements Mill’s hopeful proposition; however, Roland’s bleak environment and dejected psychology, brought on by his individual quest, echo the melancholy of Arnold.  The rapidly changing landscape of this plain represents the continual changes of the Victorian Age.  Soon after Roland has left the “safe road” and the cripple, he turns to discover both are gone.  Roland cannot rely on the chaotic world around him; instead, he must rely only on himself.  Also, Browning employs time to shift the imagery.  The dawning of the new day unveils the tower from the darkness of night.  This vehicle is further used to emphasize that in order to progress, the individual must leave the past.  The one commonality Roland shares with his environment is misery.