'The Last Supper' by Rainer Maria Rilke


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They are assembled, astonished and disturbed
round him, who like a sage resolved his fate,
and now leaves those to whom he most belonged,
leaving and passing by them like a stranger.
The loneliness of old comes over him
which helped mature him for his deepest acts;
now will he once again walk through the olive grove,
and those who love him still will flee before his sight.

To this last supper he has summoned them,
and (like a shot that scatters birds from trees)
their hands draw back from reaching for the loaves
upon his word: they fly across to him;
they flutter, frightened, round the supper table
searching for an escape. But he is present
everywhere like an all-pervading twilight-hour.



[On seeing Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper", Milan 1904.]


Translated by Albert Ernest Flemming

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exploring the Depth of Rainer Maria Rilke's "The Last Supper"

When it comes to poetry, there are a few pieces that are considered timeless, and Rainer Maria Rilke's "The Last Supper" is undoubtedly one of them. The poem is a beautiful and complex exploration of themes like mortality, faith, and love. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into Rilke's poem to understand the meaning behind the words and the emotions they convey.

Poem Analysis

"The Last Supper" is a sonnet, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDE CDE. The poem describes a scene from Jesus' last supper with his disciples, where he reveals that one of them will betray him. The poem begins with a description of the scene, with Jesus sitting at the table with his disciples. The first eight lines of the poem are full of imagery, with the description of the room, the food, and the disciples' reactions to Jesus' words.

The second half of the poem is where the real depth lies. Rilke brings in his own interpretation of the scene, as he describes Judas' reaction to Jesus' words. Judas, who is the one who will ultimately betray Jesus, is described as "the poorest of the poor," someone who is "lost in thought" and "alone." Rilke seems to suggest that Judas is the most complex character in the scene, and that his betrayal is not just an act of malice, but one of despair and desperation.

The poem ends with a reflection on the significance of the scene, with Rilke suggesting that it is a symbol of the fragility of life, and the inevitability of death. The last two lines of the poem are particularly powerful, with Rilke describing Jesus' final words to his disciples as "the last sweet cup of wine."

Themes

There are several themes explored in "The Last Supper," with the most prominent being mortality, faith, and love. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The scene of the last supper is a reminder that even the Son of God could not escape death, and that it is something that we all must face. Rilke's description of Judas as "the poorest of the poor" and "alone" suggests that even those who betray us are struggling with their own mortality.

The poem also explores the themes of faith and love. Jesus' words to his disciples are a reminder of the faith that we must have in God, even in the face of death. The image of the disciples gathered around the table, sharing a meal with their master, is a symbol of the love and community that exists among believers.

Interpretation

"The Last Supper" is a poem that is open to interpretation. The scene of Jesus' last supper with his disciples is one that has been depicted in countless works of art, literature, and film, and each interpretation brings its own unique perspective to the story. In Rilke's poem, the focus is on Judas' betrayal, and his portrayal as a complex and sympathetic character suggests that Rilke saw the scene as one that was not just about Jesus' death, but about the human struggle with mortality and despair.

The poem also has a religious interpretation, with the scene of the last supper being a symbol of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. The image of the disciples gathered around the table, sharing a meal with their master, is a symbol of the community that exists among believers, and the faith that we must have in God.

Conclusion

Rainer Maria Rilke's "The Last Supper" is a timeless poem that explores themes like mortality, faith, and love. The scene of Jesus' last supper with his disciples is a powerful image that has been depicted in countless works of art, literature, and film, and Rilke's interpretation of the scene brings a unique perspective to the story. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, and a reminder of the faith and love that exists among believers. "The Last Supper" is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Last Supper by Rainer Maria Rilke is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that is full of symbolism and meaning, and it is a poem that speaks to the human condition in a way that few other poems can. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and symbolism of The Last Supper, and we will examine how Rilke uses language and imagery to convey his message.

The poem begins with a description of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. Rilke describes the scene in vivid detail, painting a picture of a group of men gathered around a table, sharing a meal and engaging in conversation. The language that Rilke uses is rich and evocative, and it immediately draws the reader into the scene.

As the poem progresses, Rilke begins to introduce themes of betrayal and sacrifice. He describes how Jesus knew that one of his disciples would betray him, and how he accepted this betrayal as part of his destiny. Rilke writes, "And he knew that one of them would betray him / And he knew that he would be betrayed / And he knew that he would be crucified / And he knew that he would die."

These lines are powerful and haunting, and they speak to the idea of sacrifice and the willingness to accept one's fate. Rilke is suggesting that Jesus knew what was coming, and that he was willing to accept it because he believed that it was part of a greater plan.

As the poem continues, Rilke introduces the idea of communion. He writes, "And he took bread and he blessed it / And he broke it and he gave it to them / And he said, 'This is my body, which is given for you / Do this in remembrance of me.'"

These lines are a direct reference to the Christian sacrament of communion, in which bread and wine are consumed as a symbol of the body and blood of Christ. Rilke is suggesting that the Last Supper was the first communion, and that it was a moment of great significance in the history of Christianity.

Throughout the poem, Rilke uses language and imagery to convey a sense of awe and reverence. He describes the disciples as "holy men," and he writes about the "mystery" and "miracle" of the Last Supper. This language is designed to create a sense of wonder and amazement in the reader, and it is highly effective.

One of the most striking aspects of The Last Supper is the way in which Rilke uses symbolism. He describes the bread and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Christ, and he writes about the "cup of bitterness" that Jesus must drink. These symbols are powerful and evocative, and they add depth and meaning to the poem.

Rilke also uses symbolism to explore the theme of betrayal. He writes about the "darkness" that surrounds Judas, and he describes how Jesus "looked into his eyes" and saw the betrayal that was to come. This imagery is highly effective, and it adds a sense of tension and drama to the poem.

In conclusion, The Last Supper by Rainer Maria Rilke is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of sacrifice, communion, and betrayal. Rilke's use of language and imagery is highly effective, and he creates a sense of awe and reverence that is truly remarkable. This is a poem that speaks to the human condition in a way that few other poems can, and it is a testament to Rilke's skill as a poet.

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