“In Broken Images,” the twentieth poem from Robert Graves’ English Book III, explores the fundamental differences in the thought processes of two individuals. The poem presents a stark contrast between two distinct approaches to thinking and perceiving the world. One individual is characterized as quick and clear-minded, relying on precise and unambiguous mental images.
In contrast, the other person admits to being slow, thinking in fragmented and incomplete images. The quick thinker finds comfort in the clarity of their mental pictures, trusting their relevance and assuming them as facts. In contrast, the slow thinker is cautious, constantly questioning the relevance and validity of their broken images.
As the poem unfolds, it becomes evident that the quick thinker’s confidence in their clear images sometimes leads to a blind trust in their senses, while the slow thinker’s skepticism sharpens their ability to scrutinize and validate their perceptions. Ultimately, the poem highlights the ongoing struggle between these two modes of thinking, resulting in a deeper understanding of their respective complexities and limitations.