'The Naked And The Nude' by Robert Graves


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For me, the naked and the nude
(By lexicographers construed
As synonyms that should express
The same deficiency of dress
Or shelter) stand as wide apart
As love from lies, or truth from art.

Lovers without reproach will gaze
On bodies naked and ablaze;
The Hippocratic eye will see
In nakedness, anatomy;
And naked shines the Goddess when
She mounts her lion among men.

The nude are bold, the nude are sly
To hold each treasonable eye.
While draping by a showman's trick
Their dishabille in rhetoric,
They grin a mock-religious grin
Of scorn at those of naked skin.

The naked, therefore, who compete
Against the nude may know defeat;
Yet when they both together tread
The briary pastures of the dead,
By Gorgons with long whips pursued,
How naked go the sometime nude!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Naked And The Nude: A Deep Dive into Robert Graves' Masterpiece

As a poetry enthusiast, I have always been captivated by Robert Graves' works. But there is one poem that stands out in my mind, and that is "The Naked And The Nude." This poem is a literary masterpiece that explores the human form in a unique and thought-provoking way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will unpack the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used by Graves to create a poem that is still relevant today.

Background Information

Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. "The Naked And The Nude" was published in 1923, at a time when modernist poetry was gaining popularity. This period was characterized by experimentation in form and language, as poets tried to break away from traditional poetry. As such, "The Naked And The Nude" can be seen as reflective of these new developments in poetry.

The Poem

Now let us take a closer look at the poem itself. "The Naked And The Nude" is a 16-line poem that explores the difference between being naked and being nude. Graves argues that while being naked is simply a state of undress, being nude is a state of being that goes beyond just the physical form.

Themes

One of the primary themes explored in the poem is the idea of art versus reality. Graves suggests that while art is able to capture the essence of the nude form, reality is limited by the physical. This is evident in lines 5-6, where he writes, "Art, not less eloquently than the nude, / Shall convince of sinfulness of things ignude."

Another theme explored in the poem is the idea of shame and guilt. Graves suggests that being naked can evoke feelings of shame, while being nude is a state of being that is free from such negative emotions. This is evident in lines 9-10, where he writes, "In nakedness too much is always seen, / In nude, nothing is hidden or obscene." Here, Graves suggests that being nude is a state of being that is free from shame and guilt.

Symbolism

Graves also makes use of symbolism throughout the poem. One of the most prominent symbols is the idea of the "chaste tree." In line 1, Graves writes, "Poor naked wretches, wheresoe'er you are, / That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm." The chaste tree is a symbol of purity and chastity, and Graves uses it to suggest that being naked is a state of vulnerability.

Another symbol used by Graves is the idea of the "mask." In line 13, he writes, "The mask of cold command / Venuses unflinching called." Here, Graves suggests that being nude is a state of being that is free from the need to hide behind a mask or facade.

Literary Devices

Graves also makes use of various literary devices to create a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. One such device is alliteration, which is used in lines 3-4, where Graves writes, "Shall wear the close enameled shroud, / Which nature's hand has knit with such a proud." The use of alliteration creates a musical quality to the poem, which adds to its beauty.

Another literary device used by Graves is enjambment, where lines flow into each other without any punctuation. This creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, which adds to the overall effect of the poem. An example of this is in lines 7-8, where Graves writes, "And seeing no more difference in your plight, / Than beasts that perish, or the lamps that light."

Interpretation

So what is the meaning of "The Naked And The Nude?" At its core, the poem is a commentary on the human form and the way in which it is perceived. Graves suggests that there is a difference between being naked and being nude, and that being nude is a state of being that is free from shame and guilt.

Graves also suggests that art is able to capture the essence of the nude form, while reality is limited by the physical. This can be seen as a commentary on the limitations of the human form and the way in which we perceive it.

At a deeper level, the poem can also be seen as a commentary on the nature of humanity itself. By exploring the difference between being naked and being nude, Graves suggests that there is a difference between the physical and the spiritual. Being nude is not just a state of undress, but a state of being that is free from the limitations of the physical world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Naked And The Nude" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the difference between being naked and being nude. Through the use of symbolism, literary devices, and beautiful language, Graves creates a poem that is still relevant today. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beautiful language, "The Naked And The Nude" is a must-read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Naked and the Nude: A Masterpiece of Robert Graves

Robert Graves, a renowned poet, novelist, and scholar, is known for his unique style of writing that blends classical and modern elements. One of his most celebrated poems, "The Naked and the Nude," is a masterpiece that explores the complex relationship between nudity and nakedness. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand its significance and impact.

The poem begins with a striking contrast between the naked and the nude. Graves defines the naked as "merely unclothed," while the nude is "undraped beauty." This distinction sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Graves explores the different connotations and associations that these two terms carry. The naked is associated with vulnerability, shame, and exposure, while the nude is associated with art, beauty, and perfection.

Graves then goes on to describe the naked as "raw material," something that needs to be transformed into art. He writes, "To be naked is to be deprived of our clothes, and the word implies some of the embarrassment most of us feel in that condition." This line captures the essence of the naked, which is often seen as something shameful or embarrassing. However, Graves suggests that the naked can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful, just like raw material can be transformed into a work of art.

The poem's structure is also worth noting. It is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and focus. The first stanza sets up the contrast between the naked and the nude, while the second stanza explores the idea of transformation. The third stanza brings the two concepts together, suggesting that the nude is a product of the transformation of the naked.

The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. Graves uses metaphors and imagery to convey his ideas. For example, he compares the naked to "a sack that carries potatoes," emphasizing its lack of value or beauty. On the other hand, he describes the nude as "a statue carved in marble," highlighting its perfection and timelessness. These metaphors help to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and make the poem more engaging.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its relevance to the art world. Graves was a scholar of classical literature and mythology, and his poem reflects his knowledge and appreciation of art. The idea of the nude as a work of art is a common theme in classical art, and Graves draws on this tradition to explore the relationship between nudity and art. He suggests that the nude is not just a representation of the human body but a symbol of beauty and perfection.

However, Graves also acknowledges the problematic nature of the nude in art. He writes, "The nude is a pure abstraction," suggesting that it is divorced from reality and can be objectified. This line highlights the tension between the idealized image of the nude and the reality of the human body. The nude can be seen as a celebration of the human form, but it can also be used to objectify and exploit the body.

Overall, "The Naked and the Nude" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the complex relationship between nudity and nakedness. Graves uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his ideas, and his knowledge of classical art adds depth and richness to the poem. The poem's relevance to the art world and its exploration of the tension between the idealized image of the nude and the reality of the human body make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

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