'Narcissus' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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Encircled by her arms as by a shell,
she hears her being murmur,
while forever he endures
the outrage of his too pure image...
Wistfully following their example,
nature re-enters herself;
contemplating its own sap, the flower
becomes too soft, and the boulder hardens...
It's the return of all desire that enters
toward all life embracing itself from afar...
Where does it fall? Under the dwindling
surface, does it hope to renew a center?
Translated by A. Poulin
Editor 1 Interpretation
Narcissus: A Deep Dive into Rilke’s Masterpiece
If there is a poem that can capture the essence of beauty and self-love, it is Rainer Maria Rilke’s "Narcissus". In this masterpiece, the poet delves deep into the psyche of the Greek mythological figure Narcissus and creates a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of his self-love and tragic end. The poem is a testament to Rilke’s mastery of language and his ability to explore complex emotions and themes through his words. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the different aspects of "Narcissus" and how Rilke has used language and imagery to create a powerful and timeless work of art.
The Myth of Narcissus
Before we delve into the poem itself, it is essential to understand the myth of Narcissus and its significance. In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a hunter who was renowned for his beauty. He was so attractive that both men and women fell in love with him, but he remained indifferent to their advances. One day, while hunting in the woods, Narcissus stumbled upon a pool of water and saw his reflection for the first time. He was so captivated by his own beauty that he fell in love with his reflection and could not look away. He remained transfixed by his image until he died of thirst and starvation, unable to tear himself away from his own reflection.
The myth of Narcissus has been interpreted in many ways over the years, and Rilke’s poem is no exception. One of the most common interpretations is that the myth represents the danger of excessive self-love and vanity. Narcissus’s obsession with his own beauty leads to his downfall, and the message is clear: too much self-love can be deadly. However, there are other interpretations as well, and Rilke’s poem adds another layer of complexity to the myth.
The Language and Imagery of "Narcissus"
Rilke’s poem is a masterpiece of language and imagery, and every word and phrase is carefully chosen to create a specific mood and tone. The poem is divided into three stanzas, and each one explores a different aspect of Narcissus’s obsession with his own beauty.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and Rilke begins by describing the beauty of Narcissus’s reflection:
The lonely one offers his hand too quickly to whomever he encounters. And his glance, absolutely pure, plunges into reality; it understands, no longer clinging to anything.
The language here is simple and direct, and Rilke’s use of short lines and staccato rhythm creates a sense of urgency and intensity. The repetition of the word “lonely” emphasizes Narcissus’s isolation and sets the stage for his tragic end. The phrase “offers his hand too quickly” suggests that Narcissus is eager to make a connection with others, but his obsession with his own reflection prevents him from doing so.
The second stanza explores Narcissus’s fascination with his own image:
Soon he is altogether the one he loves, and reflects, like someone praying, the image of a statue kneeling in the depths.
Here, Rilke uses metaphor and imagery to create a vivid picture of Narcissus’s inner world. The phrase “the one he loves” emphasizes Narcissus’s obsession with his own reflection, and the image of him “praying” further emphasizes his devotion to his own image. The phrase “reflects like someone praying” suggests that Narcissus is worshiping his own beauty, and the image of the statue kneeling in the depths emphasizes his isolation and the depths of his obsession.
The final stanza is the most haunting and powerful, and it describes Narcissus’s tragic end:
And thus he gazes, his eyes drink up the image, and he feels his breast fill with the flame that first unveiled its radiance to his eyes: he knows the strange bitter sweetness of an ecstasy that is burning and cold; and he sees it all with one glance that is like a long sobbing of farewell.
The language here is rich and poetic, and Rilke’s use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of tragedy and loss. The phrase “the flame that first unveiled its radiance” suggests that Narcissus’s obsession with his own beauty was not something that he discovered, but rather something that was revealed to him. The phrase “strange bitter sweetness” emphasizes the complexity of Narcissus’s emotions, and the image of the “long sobbing of farewell” suggests that he knows that his obsession will be his downfall.
Rilke's Message
So, what is Rilke trying to say in his poem? Is it a warning against excessive self-love, or is there something deeper at work here? One interpretation is that Rilke is exploring the nature of beauty and its relationship to the self. Narcissus’s obsession with his own beauty is a reflection of his own search for meaning and identity. He is not just in love with his reflection; he is in love with himself. The tragedy of Narcissus is that he is unable to see beyond his own image and connect with the world around him. His obsession with his own beauty leads to his isolation and ultimate demise.
Another interpretation of the poem is that Rilke is exploring the nature of art and its relationship to the self. Narcissus’s obsession with his own beauty is a reflection of the artist’s own search for meaning and identity. Rilke himself was a deeply introspective poet, and his work often explores the inner workings of the human psyche. In "Narcissus", he seems to be suggesting that the artist’s search for meaning and beauty is a never-ending journey, and that the artist must be willing to look beyond himself in order to find true inspiration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Narcissus" is a masterpiece of language and imagery, and Rilke’s exploration of the myth of Narcissus is both haunting and beautiful. Through his use of metaphor and imagery, Rilke creates a vivid picture of Narcissus’s obsession with his own beauty and the tragic consequences that this obsession brings. The poem is a warning against excessive self-love, but it is also a meditation on the nature of beauty and its relationship to the self. Ultimately, "Narcissus" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and provoke readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Narcissus: A Poem of Self-Reflection and Self-Discovery
Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem Narcissus is a timeless classic that explores the themes of self-reflection, self-discovery, and the human condition. The poem tells the story of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who falls in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, and ultimately dies from his obsession with himself. Through the use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, Rilke creates a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with a description of Narcissus, who is portrayed as a beautiful and radiant youth. Rilke uses language that is both sensual and ethereal to describe Narcissus, painting a picture of a young man who is almost otherworldly in his beauty. The first stanza reads:
“He was so beautiful that he drew all eyes to him, and lit up every place like a lamp in a room.”
This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing Narcissus as a figure of great beauty and allure. However, as the poem progresses, Rilke begins to explore the darker aspects of Narcissus’ character, and the consequences of his obsession with his own reflection.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the pool of water in which Narcissus sees his reflection for the first time. Rilke describes the pool as “still and clear as a mirror,” and the image of Narcissus gazing into the water is one of the most iconic in all of literature. The third stanza reads:
“He leaned over the edge, and saw himself in the depths of the pool, and was lost in his own beauty.”
This stanza marks a turning point in the poem, as Narcissus becomes fixated on his own reflection and begins to lose touch with reality. Rilke’s use of the word “lost” is particularly significant, as it suggests that Narcissus has become disconnected from the world around him and is now living in a kind of dreamlike state.
As the poem progresses, Rilke continues to explore the theme of self-obsession, and the toll it takes on Narcissus. The fourth stanza reads:
“He forgot his friends, his family, the whole world, and only saw himself in the stillness of the pool.”
This stanza is particularly powerful, as it highlights the extent to which Narcissus has become consumed by his own image. He has forgotten everything else in his life, and is now living only for himself. Rilke’s use of the word “stillness” is also significant, as it suggests that Narcissus has become trapped in a kind of stasis, unable to move forward or progress in any meaningful way.
The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of Narcissus’ death, which is foreshadowed by the image of a flower that grows beside the pool. Rilke writes:
“And the flower beside the pool grew pale and wilted away, as if it knew that Narcissus would soon be gone.”
This stanza is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even nature is aware of Narcissus’ impending demise. The image of the flower wilting away is a powerful symbol of the transience of life, and the inevitability of death.
The final stanza of the poem describes Narcissus’ death, which is brought about by his obsession with his own reflection. Rilke writes:
“And when he died, the pool was still, and the flower beside it was gone.”
This final stanza is both haunting and beautiful, as it suggests that Narcissus’ death has brought an end to the stillness and stagnation that had characterized his life. The image of the flower being gone is also significant, as it suggests that even nature has moved on from Narcissus’ death.
In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem Narcissus is a powerful and thought-provoking work that explores the themes of self-reflection, self-discovery, and the human condition. Through the use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and metaphor, Rilke creates a work that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem is a reminder of the dangers of self-obsession, and the importance of living a life that is connected to the world around us.
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