'The Sonnets To Orpheus: Book 2: XXIII' by Rainer Maria Rilke


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Call to me to the one among your moments
that stands against you, ineluctably:
intimate as a dog's imploring glance
but, again, forever, turned away

when you think you've captured it at last.
What seems so far from you is most your own.
We are already free, and were dismissed
where we thought we soon would be at home.

Anxious, we keep longing for a foothold-
we, at times too young for what is old
and too old for what has never been;

doing justice only where we praise,
because we are the branch, the iron blade,
and sweet danger, ripening from within.


Translated by Stephen Mitchell

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Sonnets To Orpheus: Book 2: XXIII - A Masterpiece by Rainer Maria Rilke

As a literary critic, it is always a privilege to analyze a poem that stands out in the world of literature. The Sonnets To Orpheus: Book 2: XXIII, written by Rainer Maria Rilke, is one such masterpiece that deserves attention.

At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple narrative of a woman's journey towards her lover. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there is much more to it than what meets the eye. The poem is a beautiful fusion of music, nature, and love, which the poet brilliantly uses to convey his message.

The Power of Music

The poem begins with the mention of music, which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The first line, "Silent friend of the many distances, feel" immediately draws the reader's attention towards the power of music. The use of the word "silent" indicates the paradoxical nature of music - it is silent, yet it speaks volumes. Music has the power to transcend all boundaries, and in this poem, it is used to bring the woman closer to her lover.

The second line, "how your breath enlarges all of space," is an excellent example of how music can expand beyond physical spaces. Music has the ability to make us feel like we are in a different world altogether. It can evoke emotions that we never thought possible and take us on a journey that we never thought we could experience.

The Beauty of Nature

As the poem progresses, we see the poet's appreciation for nature. The woman's journey towards her lover is portrayed as a journey through nature. The use of imagery in the lines, "birds that have flown/ before us, to them now, with a gesture,/ show us the way onward," is a testament to the beauty of nature.

The use of birds as a metaphor for guidance is not new to literature. However, Rilke's portrayal of the birds as having flown before the woman, adds a new dimension to the metaphor. The birds act as a symbol of experience and wisdom, which the woman must seek to find her way towards her lover.

The use of words like "vibrates," "breathes," and "rustles" in the poem, adds to the overall sensory experience that the poem provides. The reader can almost feel the wind blowing through the leaves, hear the birds chirping, and see the flowers swaying in the breeze.

Love as a Journey

The poem can be interpreted as a metaphor for love. The woman's journey towards her lover can be seen as a journey towards love. The use of words like "onward," "farther," and "forward" indicates that the journey is ongoing, and there is always more to discover.

The line, "to the left, into inter-being," is a brilliant example of how Rilke uses language to convey his message. The phrase "inter-being" is not a commonly used word. However, it perfectly encapsulates the idea of two entities becoming one, which is what love is all about.

The poem ends with the line, "For beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror," which may seem confusing at first. However, on closer inspection, we realize that the beauty of love can often be accompanied by the fear of losing it. Love is a journey that may not always be easy, but it is worth taking nonetheless.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Sonnets To Orpheus: Book 2: XXIII is a masterpiece that beautifully showcases Rainer Maria Rilke's talent as a poet. The use of music, nature, and love, combined with his brilliant use of language, makes the poem an unforgettable experience for the reader.

The poem is a testament to the power of love, and how it can transcend all boundaries. It is a reminder that love is not always easy, but it is worth pursuing nonetheless. As the woman in the poem takes her journey towards her lover, we too are reminded that our journey towards love is ongoing, and there is always more to discover.

Overall, The Sonnets To Orpheus: Book 2: XXIII is a poem that deserves a place among the classics of literature. It is a masterpiece that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Sonnets To Orpheus: Book 2: XXIII by Rainer Maria Rilke is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. This poem is a part of a larger collection of sonnets that Rilke wrote in honor of the Greek mythological figure Orpheus. In this particular sonnet, Rilke explores the theme of transformation and the power of music.

The poem begins with the line, "Call to me to the one among your moments." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is calling out to Orpheus, asking him to come to him in a moment of need. The use of the word "moment" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is in a state of transition or change.

The next line, "That stands unmoving, halfway to the door," further emphasizes the theme of transformation. The speaker is describing a moment that is in a state of limbo, halfway between one state and another. This line also suggests that the speaker is on the verge of making a decision or taking action.

The third line, "Feathered in the mind," is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that the speaker's thoughts are light and delicate, like feathers. This line also suggests that the speaker's thoughts are in a state of flux, constantly changing and shifting.

The fourth line, "And it will be there like a wing," continues the metaphor of feathers and suggests that the speaker's thoughts will carry him through his transformation. The use of the word "wing" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker will be able to fly, to rise above his current state and reach a new level of being.

The fifth line, "Or a double-faced image," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "double-faced" suggests that the image is two-sided, perhaps representing both the speaker's current state and the state he hopes to achieve. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the duality of his situation, and that he must choose which path to take.

The sixth line, "Splendor of the slightest change," is a beautiful phrase that suggests that even the smallest change can be magnificent. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the power of transformation, and that he is ready to embrace it.

The seventh line, "Scarce in the pure form," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "scarce" suggests that the pure form is rare, perhaps suggesting that the speaker's transformation will be difficult to achieve. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the challenges he will face, but that he is willing to persevere.

The eighth line, "Always new and splendidly dressed," suggests that the transformation will be ongoing, that the speaker will continue to change and evolve. The use of the word "splendidly" suggests that the speaker is excited about the changes that are to come.

The ninth line, "And abruptly nothing," is a bit of a shock, as it suggests that the transformation may not be permanent. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the impermanence of life, and that he must make the most of the time he has.

The final line, "But in the recollection, awakened," suggests that even if the transformation is not permanent, the memory of it will remain. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the power of memory, and that he will be able to draw strength from it in the future.

Overall, The Sonnets To Orpheus: Book 2: XXIII is a beautiful poem that explores the theme of transformation and the power of music. Rilke's use of metaphor and imagery is stunning, and his words are sure to resonate with readers for years to come.

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