In Broken Images

Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem “In Broken Images” written by Robert
Graves.
Context:
In this poem, Robert Graves gives his views on the importance of spirit of enquiry. He
says that we should not believe a thing without doubting its reality. If the process of
investigation is stopped, the process of obtaining knowledge is also stopped. In the long run,
a person who does not investigate becomes dull in his understanding of things.
Explanation: (Lines 1 – 2)
In these lines, the poet describes two types of persons who have different ways of
thinking. The first type of person has clear understanding of a thing. He formulates clear
ideas without much labour while the other type of person doubts the reality of a thing. He is
slow to formulate ideas. The ideas which he forms are broken. These two types of persons
are the poet and his companion or someone else. The poet is uncertain of his ideas. The other
person is certain of his ideas. He has trust in his ideas. The poet thinks that he is dull while
his companion is an intelligent person. He compares himself to this intelligent person. He
says that he is slow in conceiving and imagining things. The other person takes pride in his
clear images and quick approach. The poet thinks that the other person’s ideas are clear and
quick.
(Lines 3 – 4)
The other person has full trust in his clear concepts and deep thinking. He does not
undertake any investigation. He does not go deep to find out reality. He considers research
and examination unnecessary. As a result, his sharp senses begin to rust. With the passage of
time, he becomes dull in his senses. On the other hand, the poet considers himself dull. He
does not have trust in his vague and broken images. He undertakes research and examination
to find out the validity of his broken images and concepts. He employs all his mental
faculties to find facts. His constant research and examination make him achieve his logical
results. With the passage of time, his senses become accurate and keen. Ultimately, he
becomes quick and clever. Actually the poet wants to convey the idea that there is nothing
definite, final or true in this world. Validity of everything must be judged. We should have a
spirit of research, inquiry and investigation to reach facts and reality. We should not be
hasty, emotional and ready to believe. We should keep in mind that haste makes waste
and slow and steady wins the race. Therefore, we should accept a thing after much
reflection and analysis.
(Lines 5 –6)
In these times, the poet says that the other person, who does not believe in research
and investigation, has full trust in his ideas and concepts. He does not make any research to
find facts. He supposes that his ideas and concepts are accurate and correct. He does not
doubt the relevancy of his findings. On the other hand, the poet thinks that he is a dull
person. He does not consider his findings accurate and correct. He doubts their relevancy.
Thus he goes on doing further research. His research shows good results. He succeeds in
finding reality and facts. He finds the accuracy and correction of his ideas and concepts.
STAR’S INN Academy of Sciences DCO Road Toba Tek Singh
 (Lines 7 – 8)
In these lines, the poet says that the other person thinks that his findings are relevant.
Therefore, he assumes that the facts he has found are correct and accurate. He thinks
whatever he has found is the mere truth. On the other hand, the poet thinks himself to be a
dull person. He is not satisfied with his findings. He challenges their relevancy. He doubts
the accuracy of the facts he has found. Thus he keeps on making research to the truth. The
poet conveys the idea that we should not accept any idea or concept without proof and
judgment. We should undertake research to reach facts and reality because things are
changing day by day. No system is perfect, no mechanism is ideal, no philosophy is definite
and no methodology is final. Therefore, we should be extremely analytical in our approach
to things.
(Lines 9 – 10)
In these lines, the post says that the other person thinks that his findings are relevant
and correct. He does not make any research to find out the facts. His way of thinking is
incorrect. He does not verify his images. He assumes them to be accurate and correct but
later his findings prove to be inaccurate and incorrect. He begins to doubt his senses. He
thinks that his senses are not good. On the other hand, the poet has a different view. When
he fails to find out facts, he approves of his senses. He becomes sharp and intelligent. He can
have trust in his senses.
(Lines 11 – 12)
In these times the poet says that the other person keeps on thinking that his senses are
quick. He considers himself intelligent. He derives various results quickly. Later, his
findings prove to be wrong. Thus he disapproves of his senses despite having clear images.
He becomes dull and slow. On the other hand, the poet goes on considering his senses poor
and dull. All the time, he makes a thorough research. Though he has broken images in the
beginning, he succeeds in finding the true facts finally. Thus he approves of his senses and
becomes sharp and quick.
(Lines 13 – 14)
When the other person finds his findings incorrect and inaccurate, he suffers from
confusion. He can understand nothing. Earlier, he thought that his senses were quick but
they have proved otherwise. He disapproves of his senses. His senses become blurred and
hazy. This makes him utterly confused. On the other hand, the poet goes on making
thorough research and finally succeeds in finding the accurate and correct results. In the
beginning, the poet was dull and confused in understanding things but now after finding the
facts, his confusion stops and he arrives at a new and comprehensive understanding of
things. Consequently, he becomes sharp and quick.

From: Mr. Muhammad Nasim, Tutor at Star’s Inn

STAR’S INN Academy of Sciences DCO Road Toba Tek Singh