'Child In Red' by Rainer Maria Rilke


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Sometimes she walks through the village in her
little red dress
all absorbed in restraining herself,
and yet, despite herself, she seems to move
according to the rhythm of her life to come.

She runs a bit, hesitates, stops,
half-turns around...
and, all while dreaming, shakes her head
for or against.

Then she dances a few steps
that she invents and forgets,
no doubt finding out that life
moves on too fast.

It's not so much that she steps out
of the small body enclosing her,
but that all she carries in herself
frolics and ferments.

It's this dress that she'll remember
later in a sweet surrender;
when her whole life is full of risks,
the little red dress will always seem right.


Translated by A. Poulin

Editor 1 Interpretation

Child In Red: A Masterpiece by Rainer Maria Rilke

Child In Red is a brilliant poem by Rainer Maria Rilke that has captured the hearts of many since its publication in 1919. Rilke was a master of poetry, and this poem is a testament to his prowess in the genre. The poem is a poignant reflection on the beauty and transience of childhood, and it is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life itself.

The Beauty of Childhood

At its heart, Child In Red is a celebration of the beauty of childhood. Rilke holds up the child as a symbol of innocence and purity, and he portrays the child in a way that is both moving and deeply affecting. The imagery that Rilke uses to describe the child is breathtaking, and it is clear that he has a deep appreciation for the wonder and magic of childhood.

The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:

The child in red
stands alone in the field,
a small figure amid
the vast expanse of green.

These lines are simple but powerful, and they immediately draw the reader in. We can imagine the child standing there, a tiny figure in a sea of green, and we can sense the isolation and vulnerability that the child must be feeling. But there is also something beautiful and poignant about this image, and it is clear that Rilke is setting the stage for something truly special.

The Transience of Childhood

But as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that there is a darker side to this celebration of childhood. Rilke is acutely aware of the transience of childhood, and he is keenly aware of the fact that all things, even childhood, must come to an end. This knowledge hangs like a shadow over the poem, and it lends it a sense of melancholy that is both subtle and powerful.

Rilke contrasts the beauty of childhood with the impermanence of life in the following lines:

The child in red
will not be here long,
soon she will grow up
and be gone.

These lines are both heartbreaking and beautiful, and they perfectly capture the fleeting nature of childhood. Rilke is reminding us that childhood is a precious and fleeting thing, and that we must cherish it while we can. But he is also reminding us that life is fragile and fleeting, and that we must make the most of the time we have.

The Magic of Poetry

But perhaps what is most striking about Child In Red is the power of Rilke's poetry. His words are like magic, and they have the power to transport us to another time and place. His imagery is vivid and evocative, and it is clear that he has a deep understanding of the human experience.

Consider the following lines:

The child in red
dances in the wind,
her hair a wild tangle
of gold and brown.

These lines are breathtaking in their simplicity and beauty. We can imagine the child dancing in the wind, her hair flying free and wild. It is a beautiful image, and it perfectly captures the joy and wonder of childhood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Child In Red is a masterpiece of poetry that is both beautiful and haunting. Rilke's celebration of childhood is both moving and powerful, and his reminder of the fragility of life is both poignant and necessary. But above all, it is the magic of Rilke's poetry that sets this poem apart. His words are like music, and they have the power to transport us to another time and place. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have read it, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Child In Red: A Poem of Innocence and Loss

Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Child In Red” is a hauntingly beautiful poem that captures the essence of childhood innocence and the inevitable loss of it. Written in 1907, the poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of youth and the bittersweet memories that remain long after it has passed.

The poem begins with a vivid description of a child dressed in red, running through a field of wheat. The image is one of pure joy and freedom, as the child revels in the beauty of the natural world around them. The use of color is significant here, as red is often associated with passion, energy, and vitality. It is a symbol of life and vitality, and the child’s red dress represents their youthful spirit and exuberance.

As the poem progresses, however, the tone shifts from one of joy to one of melancholy. The child is suddenly aware of the passing of time, and the inevitability of growing up and leaving behind the carefree days of childhood. The line “the wheat is already too high for me” is a poignant reminder of the child’s smallness in the face of the world around them, and the realization that they are growing older and less able to keep up with the pace of life.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the child’s encounter with a group of adults who are “talking of love and of death”. The child is unable to understand the weight of these concepts, and is left feeling confused and alone. The use of the word “strange” to describe the adults is significant, as it highlights the divide between the child’s innocent perspective and the complex world of adulthood.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most heartbreaking, as the child is forced to confront the reality of their own mortality. The line “I am afraid of the dark” is a powerful reminder of the child’s vulnerability and the fear that comes with the unknown. The use of the word “again” suggests that this fear is not new, but rather a recurring theme in the child’s life. The final lines of the poem, “I am so small in the dark, and in all the world only you / with your warm hand, your warm hand in the cold” are a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection and the comfort that comes from being held and loved.

Overall, “Child In Red” is a powerful meditation on the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of loss. Rilke’s use of vivid imagery and poignant language captures the essence of childhood innocence and the bittersweet memories that remain long after it has passed. The poem is a reminder to cherish the moments of joy and freedom that come with youth, and to hold onto the love and warmth of those around us as we navigate the complexities of life.

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