The Cruel Moon by Robert Graves
The poem explores the relationship between the Moon and human emotions, particularly fear and madness. It presents the Moon as a distant, indifferent entity, characterized by a "stupid" face but a "small and sharp" eye, suggesting a cunning nature. The speaker reflects on the warnings from a nurse about the Moon's potential to drive people mad, dismissing these fears as exaggerated. The speaker reassures a child that the Moon, despite its anger and destructive potential, poses no real threat due to its vast distance from Earth. The poem contrasts the whimsical nature of childhood fears with a rational perspective, emphasizing that the Moon's power is limited and that it cannot directly affect human lives. The imagery of the Moon hanging "out of reach" reinforces the idea of its remoteness and the futility of fearing something so far away. The overall tone is one of skepticism towards superstitions, encouraging a more grounded understanding of celestial bodies and their influence on human emotions.
By Robert Graves · First published 1940 · Genre: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature · 126 words
First lines
The cruel Moon hangs out of reach Up above the shadowy beech. Her face is stupid, but her eye Is small and sharp and very sly. Nurse says the Moon can drive you mad? No, that's a silly story, lad! Though she be angry, though she would Destroy all England if she could, Yet think, what damage can she do Hanging there so far from you? Don't heed what frightened nurses say: Moons hang much too far away.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cruel Moon is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Graves, dated 1940 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Fantasy, Children's Literature, Lyrical, Mythology
- Length: 126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Song Of The Little Hunter by Rudyard Kipling
- Escape At Bedtime by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Shadow March by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Looking Glass River by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Fairy Bread by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Ad Magistrum Ludi by Robert Louis Stevenson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Fantasy — The personification of the Moon and its described powers suggest elements of fantasy.
- Children's Literature — The tone and themes are suitable for a younger audience, addressing fears and imagination.
- Lyrical — The emotional expression and imagery align with lyrical writing styles.
Tags
moon · nature · madness · childhood · fear · imagination · myth · darkness · England · nurse · slyness · distance