Robert Graves: A Journey into his Literary Universe

Robert Graves, a renowned British novelist, poet, and soldier, has been celebrated for his remarkable contribution to the literary world. Born on this day July 24, 1895, his life and experiences significantly influenced his writing, creating an eclectic tapestry of work that continues to captivate readers across the globe. His literary universe is a remarkable blend of historical accuracy, vivid imagination, and profound insights into human nature.

Before embarking on a journey into Graves’s literary universe, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role that his experiences as a soldier played in shaping his work. The harsh realities of war, witnessed firsthand during his service in World War I, permeated his poetry with a raw and visceral quality. His war poetry is considered amongst the most honest and powerful reflections of the horrors of combat, providing a stark contrast to the romanticized narratives of heroism prevalent at the time.

As a novelist, Robert Graves exhibited an extraordinary ability to breathe life into characters from history and mythology. His notable works such as I, Claudius and Claudius the God are testament to his talent for reimagining historical figures with uncanny realism. These novels are renowned for their meticulous attention to historical detail, coupled with a deep understanding of human motivations and frailties.

Graves’s fascination with mythology is another defining aspect of his literary universe. His exploration of mythological themes goes beyond mere storytelling, delving into the underlying psychological and cultural implications. He often used mythology as a lens to examine contemporary society, drawing parallels between ancient tales and modern life.

His poetry, imbued with an intense lyrical quality, reflects a wide range of themes — from love and loss to war and nature. His poems are remarkable for their intricate structure and innovative use of language, earning him recognition as one of the leading poets of the 20th century.

The literary universe of Robert Graves is a rich tapestry woven from threads of history, mythology, personal experience, and keen observation of human nature. His works provide a unique perspective on the world — one that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Whether as a poet, novelist or soldier, Graves’s voice echoes with honesty, courage, and timeless wisdom.

Cherry-Time

Cherries of the night are riper
Than the cherries pluckt at noon
Gather to your fairy piper  
When he pipes his magic tune:  
        Merry, merry,
        Take a cherry;  
        Mine are sounder,  
        Mine are rounder,  
        Mine are sweeter  
        For the eater
        Under the moon.  
And you’ll be fairies soon.  
 
In the cherry pluckt at night,  
With the dew of summer swelling,  
There’s a juice of pure delight,
Cool, dark, sweet, divinely smelling.  
        Merry, merry,  
        Take a cherry;  
        Mine are sounder,  
        Mine are rounder,
        Mine are sweeter  
        For the eater  
        In the moonlight.  
And you’ll be fairies quite.  
 
When I sound the fairy call,
Gather here in silent meeting,  
Chin to knee on the orchard wall,  
Cooled with dew and cherries eating.  
        Merry, merry,  
        Take a cherry;
        Mine are sounder,  
        Mine are rounder,  
        Mine are sweeter.  
        For the eater  
        When the dews fall.
And you’ll be fairies all.

-Robert Graves

Curated by Jennifer