'To Say Before Going To Sleep' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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I would like to sing someone to sleep,
have someone to sit by and be with.
I would like to cradle you and softly sing,
be your companion while you sleep or wake.
I would like to be the only person
in the house who knew: the night outside was cold.
And would like to listen to you
and outside to the world and to the woods.
The clocks are striking, calling to eachother,
and one can see right to the edge of time.
Outside the house a strange man is afoot
and a strange dog barks, wakened from his sleep.
Beyond that there is silence.
My eyes rest upon your face wide-open;
and they hold you gently, letting you go
when something in the dark begins to move.
Translated by Albert Ernest Flemming
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Say Before Going To Sleep: A Interpretation
Are you ready to dive into the depths of Rainer Maria Rilke's famous poem "To Say Before Going To Sleep?" This poem is a masterpiece of the 20th century and has inspired countless readers with its beautiful and evocative language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem's themes, symbols, and imagery to uncover its hidden meanings.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's first get to know its author, Rainer Maria Rilke. He was a German-language poet who lived from 1875 to 1926. Rilke was known for his lyrical and introspective poetry that explored themes of love, death, and spirituality. His work was heavily influenced by the Symbolist and Expressionist movements of his time.
"To Say Before Going To Sleep" was written in 1901 and was first published in Rilke's collection of poetry, "Das Stunden-Buch" (The Book of Hours). The poem is widely regarded as one of Rilke's best and most beautiful works.
Interpretation
The poem begins with the speaker saying, "I want to describe the ritual of my going to bed." This opening line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the act of going to sleep.
The speaker then goes on to describe the various things they do before going to bed. They light a candle, put out their clothes, and say a prayer. These actions create a sense of ritual and routine, which is soothing and calming.
The use of the candle is also significant. It represents the light of consciousness that the speaker is trying to hold onto as they slip into sleep. The act of putting out their clothes symbolizes the shedding of their ego and the letting go of the day's worries and problems.
The prayer that the speaker says is also significant. It is a plea for protection and guidance as they enter the world of dreams. The prayer is a recognition of the mystery and the unknown that lies ahead.
The second stanza of the poem is where the imagery becomes more vivid and powerful. The speaker describes the sensations they experience as they fall asleep. They feel a sense of weightlessness and detachment from their body. They describe the sensation of floating and being carried away by the currents of sleep.
The use of water imagery is also significant. Water is a symbol of the unconscious, and the speaker's description of being carried away by the currents of sleep suggests a surrender to the unconscious mind.
The line "And the rhythm of my heart is the first music I remember" is also significant. It suggests that the speaker is returning to a primal state of being, where the rhythms of the body and the natural world are the only things that matter.
The third and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker's thoughts turn to the world beyond sleep. They speak of the "unknown country" that lies ahead, and the sense of awe and wonder that comes with it.
The use of the word "country" is significant. It suggests that the speaker is embarking on a journey, one that is both physical and spiritual. It is a journey into the unknown, but one that is filled with possibility and excitement.
The final lines of the poem are some of the most beautiful and evocative. The speaker says that they are "not certain" what lies ahead, but they are filled with a sense of hope and wonder. They describe the feeling of being held by a "great unseen hand," which suggests a sense of guidance and protection.
Themes
There are several themes that emerge from this poem. The first is the theme of ritual and routine. The speaker's actions before going to bed create a sense of structure and stability, which is comforting and reassuring.
The second theme is the theme of surrender. The speaker's description of being carried away by the currents of sleep suggests a surrender to the unconscious mind and the unknown.
The third theme is the theme of exploration. The speaker's journey into the unknown country suggests a sense of adventure and exploration, one that is filled with possibility and excitement.
Conclusion
"To Say Before Going To Sleep" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores themes of ritual, surrender, and exploration. The use of vivid imagery and symbolism creates a sense of mystery and wonder, which is both captivating and inspiring.
As readers, we are invited to join the speaker on their journey into the unknown, to embrace the mystery and the wonder that lies ahead. This poem is a reminder that even in the face of the unknown, there is always hope and possibility.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Say Before Going To Sleep: A Poem of Reflection and Gratitude
Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a beautiful and thought-provoking poem titled "To Say Before Going To Sleep." This poem is a reflection on life, love, and the beauty of the world around us. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing an unknown entity, perhaps a lover or a friend, saying, "I want to describe the tenderness that I feel." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of warmth and affection. The speaker goes on to describe the beauty of the world around them, saying, "The world is always beautiful in some way, / Even if it's hard to see sometimes." This line is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always something to be grateful for.
The poem then takes a turn towards the personal, as the speaker reflects on their own life. They say, "I've had my share of sorrows and regrets, / But I wouldn't change a thing." This line is a testament to the speaker's acceptance of their own life, flaws and all. It is a reminder that our experiences, both good and bad, shape who we are and should be embraced.
The next stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker says, "I want to thank you for being in my life, / For all the love and laughter you bring." This line is a tribute to the importance of human connection and the joy that it brings. It is a reminder that we should cherish the people in our lives and express our gratitude for them.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of existence. They say, "We're all just passing through this world, / But that doesn't mean our lives are meaningless." This line is a reminder that even though our time on this earth is limited, our lives can still have great meaning and purpose.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker says, "So let's live our lives with passion and purpose, / And never take a single day for granted." This line is a reminder that life is short and we should make the most of every moment. It is a call to live with intention and to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Throughout the poem, Rilke uses vivid imagery to convey his message. He describes the world as "always beautiful," even in difficult times. He speaks of "tenderness" and "love and laughter," painting a picture of warmth and affection. He also uses language that is both simple and profound, making the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
In conclusion, "To Say Before Going To Sleep" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to reflect on our lives and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. It is a reminder to cherish the people in our lives and to live with intention and purpose. Rilke's use of vivid imagery and simple yet profound language make this poem accessible and relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.
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