In those days, there was a woman in our circle who was known, not only for her beauty, but for taking off all her clothes and singing opera.
-- The Speaker (Lines 1-3)

Importance: The opening lines situate the poem in a story, specifically the speaker's memory of a solo folk opera. Theatrical elements like costumes play an important role in many staged operas, and this particular woman heightens the drama by performing naked. However, she does so only for a close "circle" or community.

she began to disrobe, loose her great bosom, and the tender belly, pale in the moonlight, the Viking hips, and to let her torn raiment fall to the sand as we looked up from the flames.
-- The Speaker (Lines 7-10)

Importance: These lines solidify the woman's strong presence, depicting her comfort in her own skin. This has a mesmerizing effect on her audience. The woman commands their attention through her dignified nude body as she prepares...