Podcast Summary: In Our Time – Robert Graves

Podcast Information:

• Title: In Our Time
• Host: Melvyn Bragg
• Episode: Robert Graves
• Release Date: November 7, 2024
• Description: Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people, and events that have shaped our world.

Introduction to Robert Graves

[01:10] Melvyn Bragg introduces Robert Graves (1895-1985) as one of the finest poets of the 20th century. Despite his profound passion for poetry from the age of 15, Graves is most renowned for his prose works, including I, Claudius and Goodbye to All That. The discussion features experts Paula Pray, Fran Brereton, and Bob Davis, who delve into various aspects of Graves' life and literary contributions.

Early Life and Education

[02:26] Fran Brereton describes Graves' upbringing in Wimbledon, South West London, highlighting his distinguished lineage from both the Graves and von Rank families. His father, Alfred Percival Graves, was a proponent of the Gaelic revival in Ireland, while his mother's side brought a strong scholarly tradition from Germany. These dual influences fostered Graves' early immersion in both Irish imaginative traditions and Germanic scholarly rigor.

[04:27] Fran Brereton continues, detailing Graves' typical upper-middle-class school experience. Attending prep schools and eventually Charterhouse, Graves excelled academically but also engaged in sports, particularly boxing, which served as a means to cope with anti-German sentiments prevalent during the prelude to World War I.

Early Poetry and Literary Influences

[05:57] Bob Davis explains that Graves began writing poetry around the age of 12 or 13, drawing inspiration from English and Welsh folk songs, as well as classical literature. His early work, such as the poem "In Spite," showcases the influence of Tudor poet John Skelton, characterized by short lines and punchy rhymes.

[07:34] Bob Davis highlights Graves' first poetry collection, Over the Brazier (1916), published by Harold Monroe at the Poetry Bookshop. Despite initial criticism from editor Eddie Marsh, Graves maintained his playful and nonsensical style, influenced by poets like Keats and Christina Rossetti.

World War I Experience

[08:25] Paul Apray transitions to Graves' wartime experiences, noting his enlistment at 18 and his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

[09:34] Bob Davis recounts Graves' challenging reception at the front due to his Germanic middle name and cultural background. Accusations of espionage and suspicion were prevalent, but Graves earned respect through his bravery, notably surviving a strenuous patrol in No Man's Land [09:52].

[10:16] Fran Brereton discusses Graves' homoerotic friendships during school and the war, particularly with George Johnston and Siegfried Sassoon. While these relationships were deeply emotional, Graves maintained that they remained chaste and non-sexual. His marriage to Nancy Nicholson at 22 further redirected his poetic focus towards heterosexual love.

Personal Relationships and Love Poetry

[14:08] Melvyn Bragg explores the impact of Goodbye to All That, Graves' memoir detailing his early life and war experiences. The book, written under financial pressure and personal turmoil, notably excludes detailed accounts of his relationship with Laura Riding, instead emphasizing his marriage to Nancy Nicholson.

[16:34] Fran Brereton contrasts Graves' relationships, highlighting how his marriage to Nancy provided healing from war trauma, while his partnership with Laura Riding brought transformation but also strain. Laura's eventual suicide attempt and subsequent move to Majorca marked a pivotal moment in Graves' life, leading to the writing of Goodbye to All That.

Major Works: I, Claudius and Goodbye to All That

[21:54] Melvyn Bragg praises I, Claudius for its distinctive voice, particularly the character of Claudius whose personal quirks reflect Graves' own traits. The novel's immersive portrayal of imperial Rome and its historical accuracy showcase Graves' dual heritage and scholarly approach.

[24:25] Fran Brereton and Bob Davis elaborate on Graves' disciplined writing process, emphasizing his rapid output and meticulous research. This dedication is evident in I, Claudius, where Graves employs a "mythopoetic" method to blend historical facts with fictional narrative seamlessly.

The White Goddess and Literary Philosophy

[32:01] Paul Apray introduces The White Goddess, Graves' influential work on poetic inspiration and mythology, which profoundly impacted later poets like Ted Hughes.

[32:14] Fran Brereton describes The White Goddess as a mythopoetic manifesto that merges Graves' literary influences with his own vision of poetry as a means of seeing the world. The book advocates for a return to natural cycles and criticizes modern industrial society, reflecting Graves' ongoing struggle with trauma and his desire for a more harmonious existence.

[33:42] Fran Brereton further explains how The White Goddess intertwines Celtic mythology with Graves' personal experiences, serving as both an inspiration and a coping mechanism for his wartime and post-war traumas.

Later Life and Criticisms of Contemporary Poets

[36:24] Melvyn Bragg discusses Graves' controversial critiques of contemporary poets during his Clark Lectures in the 1950s, where he unapologetically criticized figures like W.B. Yeats, W.H. Auden, and Dylan Thomas. These criticisms stemmed from his strong literary opinions and personal frustrations over misrepresentations and lack of appreciation for his own work.

[37:50] The conversation highlights Graves' complex relationship with literary contemporaries and his enduring commitment to his poetic principles, even when it alienated him from peers.

Legacy and Influence

[41:31] Bob Davis reflects on Graves' views regarding his literary legacy. While Graves dismissed concerns about lasting recognition, his work, particularly I, Claudius and The White Goddess, has left a significant impact on literature and poetry.

[43:27] Melvyn Bragg adds that Graves' prolific output and continuous revision of his works allowed him to perpetually reshape his narrative, ensuring his influence remained dynamic and evolving throughout his life.

[49:22] Paul Apray and Fran Brereton discuss how Graves' personal relationships influenced his poetry. His marriage to Beryl Hodge provided unconditional love, contrasting with his earlier relationships, and resulted in some of his most heartfelt love poems.

[53:07] Melvyn Bragg concludes by emphasizing Graves' enduring legacy in poetry, particularly his influence on the fusion of mythological and personal narratives and his contribution to modern poetic forms and themes.

Conclusion

Robert Graves' multifaceted life—as a poet, novelist, and critic—reflects a deep engagement with personal trauma, romantic relationships, and a relentless pursuit of poetic authenticity. His works, from war poetry to historical novels and mythopoetic treatises, continue to resonate, underscoring his profound impact on 20th-century literature.

Notable Quotes:

• Bob Davis [07:26]: "It was over the Brazier, and that was published in 1916, and that was published by Harold Monroe at the Poetry Bookshop. So a great stamp of approval."

• Fran Brereton [10:16]: "He remained attached to Peter, as he's known, he features in Goodbye to All That as the character called Dick."

• Bob Davis [26:30]: "She tells her love while half asleep in the dark hours with half words whispered low as earth stirs in her winter sleep and puts out grass and flowers despite the snow."

• Melvin Bragg [24:25]: "He gathers all this Material that you've correctly referenced. He immerses himself in it. And then he uses a kind of psychological method, some of which I think was perfected from out of the war and the healing processes after the war with W.H.R. Rivers."

• Bob Davis [49:35]: "Despite and Still... Have you not read the words in my head? And I made part of your own heart."

Additional Resources: For a deeper exploration of Robert Graves' life and works, listeners are encouraged to visit the BBC Sounds platform and explore related readings in the provided reading list accompanying the episode.