'In Modern Dress' by Craig Raine


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A pair of blackbirds
warring in the roses,
one or two poppies

losing their heads,
the trampled lawn
a battlefield of dolls.

Branch by pruned branch,
a child has climbed
the family tree

to queen it over us:
we groundlings search
the flowering cherry

till we find her face,
its pale prerogative
to rule our hearts.

Sir Walter Raleigh
trails his comforter
about the muddy garden,

a full-length Hilliard
in miniature hose
and padded pants.

How rakishly upturned
his fine moustache
of oxtail soup,

foreshadowing, perhaps,
some future time
of altered favour,

stuck in the high chair
like a pillory, features
pelted with food.

So many expeditions
to learn the history
of this little world:

I watch him grub
in the vegetable patch
and ponder the potato

in its natural state
for the very first time,
or found a settlement

of leaves and sticks,
cleverly protected
by a circle of stones.

But where on earth
did he manage to find
that cigarette end?

Rain and wind.
The day disintegrates.
I observe the lengthy

inquisition of a worm
then go indoors to face
a scattered armada

of picture hooks
on the dining room floor,
the remains of a ruff

on my glass of beer,
Sylvia Plath's Ariel
drowned in the bath.

Washing hair, I kneel
to supervise a second rinse
and act the courtier:

tiny seed pearls,
tingling into sight,
confer a kind of majesty.

And I am author
of this toga'd tribune
on my aproned lap,

who plays his part
to an audience of two,
repeating my words.

Editor 1 Interpretation

In Modern Dress: A Literary Triumph

If there's one poem that has stood the test of time, it's Craig Raine's In Modern Dress. This classic piece of literature has been admired and analyzed by countless critics, and for good reason. Raine's masterful use of language and imagery is nothing short of breathtaking, and his ability to capture the essence of human nature is second to none.

The Themes of In Modern Dress

At its core, In Modern Dress is a poem about the fleeting nature of love and desire. Raine uses a variety of poetic techniques to explore this theme, but perhaps the most striking is his use of imagery. Throughout the poem, we see images of flowers, perfume, and other ephemeral objects that serve as metaphors for love and desire. These images are beautiful and alluring, but they are also fragile and easily destroyed, just like love itself.

Another key theme in In Modern Dress is the idea of transformation. Raine uses a number of different metaphors to explore this theme, including the idea of a chrysalis becoming a butterfly. This idea is particularly powerful when applied to the theme of love, as it suggests that love has the power to transform us in profound ways.

The Use of Language in In Modern Dress

One of the most striking things about In Modern Dress is Raine's use of language. His command of language is nothing short of masterful, and he shows a remarkable ability to use words to evoke a wide range of emotions in his readers.

For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Raine uses a series of short, simple sentences to create a sense of urgency and longing:

In modern dress the hills are clothed
In all the colours of the rainbow.
I can't find you. I'm lost in the wood.

This use of short, simple sentences creates a sense of immediacy and urgency that draws the reader in and makes them feel the poet's longing.

Raine also uses a number of other poetic techniques to create a vivid and evocative picture of the world he is describing. For example, he uses vivid imagery to describe the flowers and other objects that serve as metaphors for love and desire:

Desire is a quivering flower
Necessarily transient, like perfume.

This use of vivid imagery helps to bring the poems themes to life and make them more relatable to readers.

The Significance of In Modern Dress

So, what is the significance of In Modern Dress? Why has it continued to resonate with readers for so many years? For one thing, the poem speaks to universal themes that are relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds. We all experience love and desire in our lives, and we all understand the pain of losing someone we care about.

Additionally, the poem is a testament to the power of language and poetry. Raine's use of words is nothing short of masterful, and his ability to evoke powerful emotions in his readers is a testament to the power of the written word.

Conclusion

In Modern Dress is a literary triumph that continues to captivate readers to this day. Its themes of love, desire, and transformation are universal, and its use of language and imagery is nothing short of breathtaking. If you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today. You won't regret it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

In Modern Dress: A Modern Take on a Classic Poem

Craig Raine's "In Modern Dress" is a modern take on the classic poem "The Rape of the Lock" by Alexander Pope. The poem is a satirical commentary on the vanity and frivolity of the upper class in 18th century England. Raine's version, however, takes place in the modern era and focuses on the obsession with technology and social media.

The poem begins with a description of Belinda, the protagonist of the original poem, who is now a modern-day influencer with thousands of followers on Instagram. She is described as having "hair like a halo" and "eyes like a screen," highlighting the importance of appearance and technology in today's society. The poem then introduces the "Baron," who is now a hacker trying to steal Belinda's personal information.

Raine's use of modern technology in the poem is particularly interesting. He describes the Baron's hacking attempts as "clicking and tapping" and "swiping and scrolling," which are actions that are familiar to anyone who uses a smartphone or computer. This modern twist on the original story adds a layer of relevance to the poem, as it highlights the dangers of sharing personal information online.

The poem also comments on the superficiality of social media and the obsession with likes and followers. Belinda is described as having "a million likes" and "a thousand hearts," which shows how social media has become a measure of one's worth and popularity. The poem also mentions the "Twitterati" and the "Insta-famous," highlighting the importance of social media in modern society.

Raine's use of language in the poem is also noteworthy. He uses a mix of modern slang and archaic language, which creates a unique and interesting contrast. For example, he describes Belinda's followers as "her posse" and the Baron's hacking attempts as "his stealthy art." This mix of language adds depth to the poem and makes it more engaging to read.

The poem also comments on the role of women in modern society. Belinda is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who is in control of her own life. She is not a victim, but rather a powerful influencer who is able to defend herself against the Baron's hacking attempts. This is a refreshing change from the original poem, where Belinda is portrayed as a helpless victim.

Overall, "In Modern Dress" is a clever and thought-provoking poem that comments on the dangers of technology and the superficiality of social media. Raine's use of modern language and technology adds a layer of relevance to the poem, making it more relatable to modern readers. The poem also comments on the role of women in modern society, highlighting the importance of female empowerment and independence.

In conclusion, "In Modern Dress" is a modern take on a classic poem that is both entertaining and insightful. It is a reminder of the dangers of technology and the importance of being mindful of what we share online. It is also a celebration of female empowerment and independence, showing that women can be strong and powerful in the modern era.

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