'Before Summer Rain' by Rainer Maria Rilke

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Suddenly, from all the green around you,
something-you don't know what-has disappeared;
you feel it creeping closer to the window,
in total silence. From the nearby wood

you hear the urgent whistling of a plover,
reminding you of someone's Saint Jerome:
so much solitude and passion come
from that one voice, whose fierce request the downpour

will grant. The walls, with their ancient portraits, glide
away from us, cautiously, as though
they weren't supposed to hear what we are saying.

And reflected on the faded tapestries now;
the chill, uncertain sunlight of those long
childhood hours when you were so afraid.


Translated by Stephen Mitchell

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Before Summer Rain" by Rainer Maria Rilke: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagery and Emotion

If you're looking for a poem that captures the fleeting nature of beauty and the power of memory, look no further than Rainer Maria Rilke's "Before Summer Rain." This classic work of literature is a thrilling exploration of the human heart and mind, expressed through vivid and evocative imagery that will leave you breathless.

From the opening lines of the poem, Rilke draws the reader in with his exquisite descriptions of the natural world. "Suddenly the curtain opens and I'm in / The snowy woods, alone," he writes, conjuring up a picture of a serene and peaceful forest blanketed in white. But just as quickly as this image appears, the scene shifts, as the speaker is engulfed in the "wild, high-spirited" world of summer.

This sudden change in setting and tone is one of the hallmarks of "Before Summer Rain," as Rilke deftly weaves together a series of contrasting images and emotions. There is the calm of the snowy woods, followed by the frenzied energy of the summer storm. There is the beauty of the "red, gold, shimmering, fiery" sky, set against the darkness and chaos of the approaching rain.

Throughout it all, the speaker remains a keen observer, taking in every detail and sensation with a sense of wonder and awe. "My heart, which before was so small, / Has swollen with the sounds, / And all the winds are singing," he marvels, as he watches the storm gather strength.

For Rilke, the storm is more than just a natural phenomenon; it is a symbol of the power and unpredictability of life itself. As the rain begins to fall, he writes, "All the things I've ever loved / Stand like tall, proud soldiers in the rain." In this moment, the speaker is reminded of all the experiences and emotions that have shaped his life, and he is filled with a sense of gratitude and humility.

But even as the storm rages on, there is a sense of hope and renewal in the air. "All at once the fountain's playing / In every lovely colour," Rilke writes, describing the way the rain creates a shimmering, magical effect on the landscape. And as the storm finally passes, the speaker is left with a sense of peace and contentment, as he reflects on the beauty and transience of life.

In the end, "Before Summer Rain" is a deeply moving and profound work of literature, one that speaks to the human experience in a way that few other poems can. With its stunning imagery, evocative language, and themes of renewal and transformation, this classic work by Rainer Maria Rilke is truly a masterpiece of poetic expression. So why not take a few moments to dive into its rich and complex world, and discover for yourself the wonders that lie within?

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Before Summer Rain: A Poetic Masterpiece by Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound and introspective works that explore the complexities of human emotions and the mysteries of life. Among his many masterpieces, the poem "Before Summer Rain" stands out as a shining example of his poetic genius. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this classic poem, exploring its themes, symbols, and literary devices to uncover the hidden meanings and messages that lie within.

The poem "Before Summer Rain" was written in 1906 and was first published in Rilke's collection of poetry titled "The Book of Images." The poem is a short but powerful piece that captures the essence of a moment in time, just before a summer rainstorm. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct imagery and symbolism.

The first stanza sets the scene, describing the stillness and quietness of the world just before the rain begins. Rilke writes, "Suddenly, from all the green around you, / something-you don't know what-has disappeared." This line creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as if something important has been lost or taken away. The use of the word "suddenly" adds to the sense of urgency and anticipation, as if something is about to happen.

The second stanza introduces the image of the sky, which is described as "a mirror of itself, enormous, / so deep that you will drown in it if you lift your eyes." This image creates a sense of awe and wonder, as if the sky is a vast and infinite expanse that is both beautiful and terrifying. The use of the word "enormous" emphasizes the scale and magnitude of the sky, while the phrase "so deep that you will drown in it" suggests that the sky is a powerful and overwhelming force that can consume and overwhelm us.

The third and final stanza brings the poem to its climax, as the rain finally begins to fall. Rilke writes, "And the world will be completely different, / because it will be wet with a new rain." This line suggests that the rain is a transformative force that has the power to change the world around us. The use of the word "completely" emphasizes the extent of this transformation, while the phrase "wet with a new rain" suggests that the rain is a symbol of renewal and rebirth.

Throughout the poem, Rilke uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of depth and complexity. One of the most prominent of these devices is imagery, which is used to create vivid and evocative descriptions of the world around us. For example, the image of the sky as a "mirror of itself" creates a sense of reflection and introspection, while the image of the rain as a "new rain" suggests that there is something fresh and exciting about this particular storm.

Another important literary device used in the poem is symbolism, which is used to represent abstract ideas and concepts through concrete objects and images. For example, the rain can be seen as a symbol of renewal and rebirth, while the sky can be seen as a symbol of the infinite and the unknown. These symbols add depth and complexity to the poem, allowing readers to explore its themes and meanings on multiple levels.

In addition to its literary devices, the poem also explores a number of important themes and ideas. One of the most prominent of these themes is the idea of transformation and change. Throughout the poem, Rilke suggests that the rain has the power to transform the world around us, creating a sense of renewal and rebirth. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are searching for ways to create positive change in their lives and in the world around them.

Another important theme explored in the poem is the idea of the unknown and the mysterious. The image of the sky as a vast and infinite expanse creates a sense of awe and wonder, as if there is something beyond our understanding that we can only glimpse through the natural world. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are searching for meaning and purpose in a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain.

In conclusion, "Before Summer Rain" is a poetic masterpiece that explores the complexities of human emotions and the mysteries of life. Through its vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and profound themes, the poem captures the essence of a moment in time, just before a summer rainstorm. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a way to connect with the natural world, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

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