'Evening' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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The sky puts on the darkening blue coat
held for it by a row of ancient trees;
you watch: and the lands grow distant in your sight,
one journeying to heaven, one that falls;
and leave you, not at home in either one,
not quite so still and dark as the darkened houses,
not calling to eternity with the passion of what becomes
a star each night, and rises;
and leave you (inexpressibly to unravel)
your life, with its immensity and fear,
so that, now bounded, now immeasurable,
it is alternately stone in you and star.
Translated by Stephen Mitchell
Submitted by zenfishsticks
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rainer Maria Rilke's "Evening": An Enchanting Poem of Peace and Reflection
Have you ever found yourself gazing out into the horizon during a quiet evening, lost in your thoughts as you watch the sky turn from bright blue to shades of pink and orange? If so, then you might relate to the emotions conveyed in Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "Evening."
Composed in 1899, "Evening" is a relatively short, yet powerful poem that captures the essence of a peaceful evening. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes and symbolism present in Rilke's work, exploring what makes this poem a classic in the world of literature.
Structure and Style
Before we dive into the content of the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate Rilke's style and structure in "Evening." The poem consists of two stanzas, each with four lines, and each line containing a simple, direct statement.
The simplicity in structure is mirrored in Rilke's language. The poet doesn't use complex metaphors or elaborate descriptions; instead, he relies on straightforward language to convey his message. The result is a poem that is easy to read and understand, yet still manages to evoke deep emotions in the reader.
Themes and Symbolism
At first glance, "Evening" may seem like a simple poem about the end of the day. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Rilke infuses the poem with themes of peace, reflection, and the passage of time.
The poem begins with the line, "The sky puts on the darkening blue coat." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it conveys the idea of the day coming to an end. The use of the word "coat" to describe the sky is an interesting choice, as it implies that the sky is a living entity, putting on clothing just like a person would. This personification helps to create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the poem, as if the sky is a character in the story.
As the poem progresses, Rilke introduces the image of a bird flying across the sky, stating, "A bird calls out from afar in itself." This line is particularly significant because it symbolizes the passing of time. The bird's call is a reminder that the day is ending, and that we are moving closer to the night. Additionally, the fact that the bird is "calling out from afar in itself" suggests that the bird is a representation of our own inner voice. It is a reminder to take time for introspection and reflection, as the day comes to a close.
The theme of reflection is further emphasized in the second stanza, where Rilke writes, "Anything can happen. You know how Jupiter / Will mostly wait for clouds to gather head / Before he hurls the lightning? Well, just now / He galloped his thunder cart and his horses." This passage is incredibly evocative, as it suggests that anything is possible during the evening hours. The image of Jupiter waiting for the perfect moment to strike with lightning is a powerful metaphor for the idea that we should seize the opportunities that come our way.
The use of the word "galloped" to describe Jupiter's movements is also significant, as it implies a sense of urgency. The thunder cart and horses are metaphors for the passing of time, reminding us that we must take advantage of the present moment before it slips away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rilke's "Evening" is a beautiful, understated poem that captures the essence of a peaceful evening. Through simple language and structure, Rilke explores themes of reflection, the passage of time, and the importance of seizing the moment. The poem is a reminder that in the quiet moments of life, we can find the most profound truths.
As we gaze out into the horizon, watching the sky turn from blue to pink and orange, we are reminded that life is fleeting. However, if we take the time to reflect and seize the opportunities that come our way, we can make the most of the time we have. Rilke's "Evening" is a timeless reminder of this truth, and a testament to the power of simple, evocative language in poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Evening by Rainer Maria Rilke: A Poem of Transcendence and Reflection
Rainer Maria Rilke is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, known for his profound and introspective works that explore the human condition and the mysteries of existence. His poem Evening is a prime example of his poetic genius, as it captures the essence of the twilight hour and the transcendental experience it evokes. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of Evening, and explore how Rilke uses them to create a powerful and evocative work of art.
The poem begins with a simple yet striking image: "The sky puts on the darkening blue coat / held for it by a row of ancient trees." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the setting and the mood of the scene. The use of personification, with the sky "putting on" a coat, creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity, as if the sky is a living entity that is preparing for the night. The mention of the "ancient trees" adds a touch of nostalgia and reverence, as if these trees have witnessed countless evenings and are a symbol of the passage of time.
As the poem progresses, Rilke introduces more imagery that evokes the beauty and mystery of the evening. He describes the "last light" that "brightens the air," and the "birds in their nests" that "are half asleep." These images create a sense of tranquility and serenity, as if the world is slowing down and preparing for rest. The use of the word "half" to describe the birds' sleepiness also suggests a sense of liminality, as if they are in a state between wakefulness and slumber, much like the evening itself.
One of the most striking aspects of Evening is the way Rilke uses language to convey a sense of transcendence and spiritual awakening. He writes, "And the winds of space / open a window onto the cosmos." This line suggests that the evening is not just a time of physical darkness, but also a time of spiritual illumination. The winds of space, which are often associated with the divine or the transcendent, are opening a window onto the cosmos, revealing the vastness and mystery of the universe. This image is both humbling and awe-inspiring, as it suggests that there is much more to existence than what we can see and comprehend.
Rilke continues to explore this theme of transcendence in the following lines, as he writes, "There are eyes that see / and there are eyes that are blind." This line suggests that the evening is a time when our perception is heightened, and we are able to see things that we might not notice during the day. The use of the word "blind" also suggests that there are deeper truths and realities that are hidden from us, and that we need to cultivate a certain kind of vision in order to perceive them.
The final stanza of Evening is perhaps the most powerful, as it brings together all of the themes and imagery that Rilke has been exploring throughout the poem. He writes, "And I, who have been a passerby, / stand still, / my back to one of the sturdy trees. / And I am overcome with gratitude, / for the gift of life." This stanza is a moment of reflection and contemplation, as the speaker pauses to take in the beauty and mystery of the evening. The use of the word "passerby" suggests that the speaker has been moving through life without fully appreciating its wonders, but the evening has given him a moment of clarity and insight. The image of the speaker standing still, with his back to a sturdy tree, suggests a sense of grounding and rootedness, as if he has found a sense of stability and peace in the midst of the swirling cosmos.
The final line of the poem, "For the gift of life," is a powerful statement of gratitude and wonder. It suggests that the evening has reminded the speaker of the preciousness and fragility of life, and that he is filled with a sense of awe and reverence for the world around him. This line also echoes the opening image of the "ancient trees," suggesting that the cycle of life and death is a constant presence in the world, and that we should cherish every moment we have.
In conclusion, Evening by Rainer Maria Rilke is a profound and evocative poem that explores the beauty and mystery of the twilight hour. Through his use of imagery, language, and themes of transcendence and reflection, Rilke creates a work of art that is both humbling and awe-inspiring. The poem reminds us of the preciousness of life, and the need to cultivate a sense of gratitude and wonder in the face of the vastness and mystery of existence. As we read and reflect on Evening, we are invited to pause and take in the beauty of the world around us, and to be grateful for the gift of life.
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