'As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight' by Rainer Maria Rilke


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As once the winged energy of delight
carried you over childhood's dark abysses,
now beyond your own life build the great
arch of unimagined bridges.

Wonders happen if we can succeed
in passing through the harshest danger;
but only in a bright and purely granted
achievement can we realize the wonder.

To work with Things in the indescribable
relationship is not too hard for us;
the pattern grows more intricate and subtle,
and being swept along is not enough.

Take your practiced powers and stretch them out
until they span the chasm between two
contradictions...For the god
wants to know himself in you.


Translated by Stephen Mitchell

Editor 1 Interpretation

As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight by Rainer Maria Rilke

As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight is a profound and complex poem written by the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke. This masterpiece is a beautiful representation of the poet's reflections on the idea of transformation and its impact on the soul. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and try to understand its meaning and significance.

Contextual Analysis

To fully understand the essence of the poem, it is essential to first examine the context in which it was written. Rainer Maria Rilke belonged to the modernist movement in literature, which emerged in the late 19th century in Europe. The modernist writers were disillusioned with the traditional forms of literature and sought to break away from the established norms. They believed in experimenting with new forms, styles, and themes.

Rilke was heavily influenced by the philosophical ideas of Nietzsche and the artistic movement of symbolism. His works are known for their deep introspection and exploration of human emotions. As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight was written in 1907, a time when Rilke was experiencing a spiritual crisis. He had just gone through a painful separation from his lover, Lou Andreas-Salomé, and was struggling to come to terms with the loss.

Literary Analysis

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The language used in the poem is simple yet evocative. Rilke uses metaphors and images to convey his message, and the poem is rich in symbolism.

First Stanza

The first stanza of the poem talks about the transformative power of love. The image of the "winged energy of delight" is central to this stanza. It represents the ecstatic feeling of being in love. The phrase "as once" indicates that this feeling is momentary and fleeting. The line "moved out of the night and into the light" suggests that love has the power to transform darkness into light, a recurring theme in Rilke's works. The phrase "half winged and half real" is particularly interesting. It suggests that the feeling of love is both intangible and real at the same time.

Second Stanza

The second stanza of the poem talks about the aftermath of love. The "darkness" referred to in this stanza could be interpreted as the pain and anguish that follows a breakup. The line "but not lost, not lost" suggests that the feeling of love is not lost, even after the breakup. It is simply transformed into something else. The phrase "as if the earth in one unbidden throb" suggests that the pain is physical and intense.

Third Stanza

The third stanza of the poem talks about the transformative power of pain. The image of the "black asters" is central to this stanza. Asters are flowers that bloom in the fall, symbolizing the end of something. The "black" in "black asters" represents the darkness and pain that comes with the end of love. The phrase "somewhere/ deep in the universe" suggests that this pain is universal and transcends individual experiences. The line "a tree sprouted" suggests that something new and beautiful can grow out of pain and darkness.

Interpretation

As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight is a deeply personal poem that reflects Rilke's own struggles with love and loss. However, it is also a universal poem that speaks to the human experience of transformation. The poem suggests that love has the power to transform darkness into light, but that this feeling is fleeting. After the breakup, the pain and darkness may seem overwhelming, but the poem suggests that something new and beautiful can grow out of this pain.

The transformation from love to pain to beauty is not an easy process, and the poem acknowledges this. The physical and emotional pain that follows a breakup is intense, but the poem suggests that this pain is necessary for growth. The "black asters" that bloom after the pain represent the end of something, but also the beginning of something new.

The poem also suggests that pain is a universal experience. The phrase "somewhere/ deep in the universe" suggests that the pain of love and loss is something that we all experience at some point in our lives. However, the poem suggests that this pain is not meaningless. It has the power to transform us and help us grow.

Conclusion

As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight is a beautiful and profound poem that speaks to the human experience of transformation. Rainer Maria Rilke uses simple yet evocative language to convey his message, and the poem is rich in symbolism. The poem suggests that love has the power to transform darkness into light, but that this feeling is fleeting. The pain and darkness that follow a breakup may seem overwhelming, but the poem suggests that something new and beautiful can grow out of this pain. The poem acknowledges that transformation is not an easy process, but suggests that it is necessary for growth. Pain is a universal experience, but the poem suggests that this pain is not meaningless. It has the power to transform us and help us grow.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight: A Poetic Masterpiece

Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that has stood the test of time. "As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life, love, and the human experience. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.

The poem begins with the line "As once the winged energy of delight," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "winged" creates a sense of movement and freedom, while "energy" suggests a force that is powerful and dynamic. The word "delight" adds a sense of joy and happiness, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The first stanza continues with the lines "carried you over childhood's dark abysses, / now beyond your own life build the great / arch of unimagined bridges." Here, Rilke is describing the journey of life, from childhood to adulthood. The "dark abysses" represent the challenges and struggles that we face as we grow up, while the "great arch of unimagined bridges" represents the possibilities and opportunities that await us in the future.

The second stanza begins with the line "Wonders happen if we can succeed / in passing through the harshest danger." This line suggests that in order to experience the wonders of life, we must first overcome the challenges and dangers that come our way. The use of the word "succeed" implies that this is not an easy task, but one that requires effort and determination.

The stanza continues with the lines "But only in a bright and purely granted / achievement can we realize the wonder." Here, Rilke is suggesting that the true wonder of life can only be experienced when we achieve something that is truly meaningful and significant. This could be a personal goal, a professional accomplishment, or a relationship that brings us joy and fulfillment.

The third stanza begins with the line "To work with Things in the indescribable / relationship is not too hard for us;" Here, Rilke is suggesting that we are capable of understanding and working with the world around us, even though it may be complex and difficult to describe. The use of the word "relationship" suggests that there is a connection between ourselves and the world, and that we can learn to navigate this relationship with skill and understanding.

The stanza continues with the lines "the pattern grows more intricate and subtle, / and being swept along is not enough." Here, Rilke is suggesting that as we become more familiar with the world around us, we must also become more aware of its complexities and nuances. Simply going through the motions is not enough; we must actively engage with the world and seek to understand it on a deeper level.

The fourth and final stanza begins with the line "Take your practiced powers and stretch them out / until they span the chasm between two / contradictions." Here, Rilke is suggesting that we should use our skills and abilities to bridge the gap between opposing forces or ideas. This could be a personal conflict, a societal issue, or a philosophical debate. The use of the word "chasm" suggests that this is not an easy task, but one that requires courage and determination.

The stanza continues with the lines "For the god / wants to know himself in you." Here, Rilke is suggesting that by bridging these contradictions, we are fulfilling a higher purpose or calling. The use of the word "god" suggests that this purpose is not just personal, but also spiritual or universal in nature.

Overall, "As Once The Winged Energy Of Delight" is a poem that celebrates the human experience and encourages us to embrace life's challenges and opportunities. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem inspires us to seek out the wonders of life and to use our skills and abilities to make a positive impact on the world around us. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today, and will likely do so for generations to come.

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