'The Naked And The Nude' by Robert Graves


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Collected Poems1961For me, the naked and the nude(By lexicographers construedAs synonyms that should expressThe same deficiency of dressOr shelter) stand as wide apartAs love from lies, or truth from art.Lovers without reproach will gazeOn bodies naked and ablaze;The Hippocratic eye will seeIn nakedness, anatomy;And naked shines the Goddess whenShe mounts her lion among men.The nude are bold, the nude are slyTo hold each treasonable eye.While draping by a showman's trickTheir dishabille in rhetoric,They grin a mock-religious grinOf scorn at those of naked skin.The naked, therefore, who competeAgainst the nude may know defeat;Yet when they both together treadThe 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 Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Robert Graves is a renowned poet, novelist, and critic who has made significant contributions to the world of literature. One of his greatest works, The Naked and the Nude, is a poem that explores the dichotomy between the objective and the subjective perception of the naked body. The poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the complexities of modern society. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we delve into the themes, structure, and symbolism of the poem, exploring the depth of the poet's message, and the beauty of his words.

Themes

The Naked and the Nude is a poem that explores several themes including objectivity, subjectivity, beauty, perception, and the relationship between the viewer and the viewed. The poem is a reflection of the poet's world view, where he asserts that the human body can be both beautiful and ugly, depending on the viewer's perspective. The poem is a critique of the societal norms that dictate what is considered beautiful and what is not. The poet highlights the fact that beauty is subjective and cannot be defined by any set rules or standards.

Another major theme of the poem is the relationship between the viewer and the viewed. The poem explores the power dynamic between the subject and the object, where the viewer has the power to objectify the viewed, reducing them to mere objects of desire. The poem offers a critique of this dynamic, calling for a more respectful and empathetic approach to viewing the human body.

The poem also touches on the theme of sexuality, where the naked body is seen as an object of desire. The poet challenges the societal norm that associates nudity with sexuality, arguing that nudity can be non-sexual and that the naked body can be appreciated for its beauty and form without invoking sexual desire.

Structure

The Naked and the Nude is a poem consisting of four stanzas, with each stanza containing four lines. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming, as well as the second and fourth lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with each line consisting of four iambs, creating a steady and rhythmic flow.

The structure of the poem is simple, yet effective, allowing the poet to convey his message in a concise and impactful manner. The repetition of the rhyme scheme and the rhythm of the lines create a sense of unity and coherence, emphasizing the central themes of the poem.

Symbolism

The Naked and the Nude uses several symbols to convey its message. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the naked body, which represents both beauty and vulnerability. The naked body is a symbol of truth and honesty, stripped of all pretense and artifice. The poet uses the symbol of the naked body to challenge the traditional notions of beauty, arguing that the naked body can be beautiful regardless of societal standards.

Another prominent symbol in the poem is the viewer, who represents the subjective perception of beauty. The viewer is an active participant in the act of viewing, with the power to objectify or appreciate the subject. The poet uses the symbol of the viewer to highlight the power dynamic between the viewer and the viewed, calling for a more empathetic and respectful approach to viewing the naked body.

Interpretation

The Naked and the Nude is a poem that challenges the traditional notions of beauty and the relationship between the viewer and the viewed. The poem is a critique of the societal norms that dictate what is considered beautiful and what is not. The poet argues that beauty is subjective and cannot be defined by any set rules or standards.

The poem is a call for a more empathetic and respectful approach to viewing the naked body. The poet challenges the power dynamic between the viewer and the viewed, calling for a more equitable and respectful relationship. The naked body is seen as a symbol of vulnerability and honesty, stripped of all pretense and artifice.

The poem also challenges the societal norm that associates nudity with sexuality. The poet argues that nudity can be non-sexual and that the naked body can be appreciated for its beauty and form without invoking sexual desire. The poem offers a critique of the objectification of the naked body, calling for a more respectful and empathetic approach to the subject.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Naked and the Nude is a masterpiece that explores the dichotomy between the objective and the subjective perception of the naked body. The poem is a critique of the societal norms that dictate what is considered beautiful and what is not. The poem challenges the power dynamic between the viewer and the viewed, calling for a more respectful and empathetic approach to viewing the naked body. The poem is a call for a more equitable and respectful relationship between the viewer and the viewed, emphasizing the beauty and vulnerability of the naked body.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Naked and the Nude: A Masterpiece of Poetry by Robert Graves

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts of the human mind. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke strong feelings and emotions in the reader. One such masterpiece of poetry is "The Naked and the Nude" by Robert Graves. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to convey complex ideas in a simple and elegant manner.

Robert Graves was a British poet, novelist, and scholar who lived from 1895 to 1985. He was a prolific writer who wrote over 140 books during his lifetime. Graves was known for his unique style of writing, which combined classical mythology with modern themes. He was also a war veteran who fought in World War I and II, and his experiences in the war influenced his writing.

"The Naked and the Nude" is a poem that was first published in 1923 in Graves' collection of poems titled "Fairies and Fusiliers." The poem is a commentary on the difference between nudity and nakedness. It is a poem that explores the idea of how the human body can be both a work of art and a source of shame.

The poem begins with the line, "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." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Graves is saying that the words "naked" and "nude" are often used interchangeably, but they have very different meanings. He compares the difference between the two words to the difference between love and lies or truth and art.

Graves then goes on to describe the difference between nudity and nakedness. He says that nudity is a state of being where the body is exposed, but it is not necessarily sexual. Nudity can be seen as a work of art, like a sculpture or a painting. Nakedness, on the other hand, is a state of being where the body is exposed and vulnerable. Nakedness is often associated with shame and embarrassment.

The poem continues with the lines, "The naked truth is always stark. Nudity is a state of art." This line is a play on words. Graves is saying that the truth is always harsh and unpleasant, but nudity can be beautiful and artistic. He is also saying that nudity can be used to express emotions and ideas in a way that is not possible with words.

Graves then goes on to describe how nudity can be used to express different emotions. He says that nudity can be used to express love, beauty, and joy. He also says that nudity can be used to express pain, suffering, and sadness. He says that nudity can be used to express the full range of human emotions.

The poem ends with the lines, "The naked and the nude Have got it in their power To give offence by wearing clothes, Or all too little, heedless those Who for all their battles fought Lack what they never quite have got." These lines are a commentary on how society views nudity and nakedness. Graves is saying that people can be offended by nudity or by the lack of clothing. He is also saying that people who have fought in battles and have seen the horrors of war still lack something that they can never quite get.

In conclusion, "The Naked and the Nude" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the difference between nudity and nakedness. It is a poem that uses language in a simple and elegant manner to convey complex ideas. Graves' use of imagery and metaphor makes the poem a work of art in itself. The poem is a commentary on how society views nudity and nakedness and how the human body can be both a work of art and a source of shame. It is a poem that will continue to be relevant for generations to come.

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