'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.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Say Before Going To Sleep: A Literary Criticism

Are you familiar with the feeling of being in a dreamlike state, where reality blurs and the mind wanders into the realm of imagination? Rainer Maria Rilke's poem, "To Say Before Going To Sleep," captures this state of mind with its ethereal imagery and introspective tone. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the themes and symbolism of this classic poem, exploring its meaning and significance.

Background Information

Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) was a Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist who is considered one of the greatest lyrical poets of the German language. He was known for his intense and introspective poetry, which often explored themes such as love, death, and spirituality. "To Say Before Going To Sleep" was written in 1909 and is part of Rilke's collection of poems, "The Book of Images." The poem has been translated into English by various translators, including Edward Snow, J.B. Leishman, and Robert Bly.

Analysis

The poem is written in free verse, with no fixed rhyme scheme or meter. The structure of the poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem with its enigmatic opening line, "I live my life in widening circles." This line suggests a sense of circularity and fluidity, as if the narrator's life is constantly expanding and evolving. The second line reinforces this idea with the image of a "great range of motion," which paints a picture of a life in constant motion and change.

In the second stanza, the tone shifts to a more introspective and reflective one, as the narrator turns inward to contemplate the nature of his existence. The line "Perhaps I've never been in a circle" suggests that the narrator's journey has been more of a spiral, where he is constantly revisiting the same themes and ideas, but from a different perspective each time. The third line, "But the discipline of life is to learn" reinforces this idea, suggesting that the purpose of life is to gain knowledge and understanding through experience.

The third stanza introduces the imagery of the moon, which is a recurring symbol throughout the poem. The line "And at the end of each journey, / the moon's reflection is the only thing / that follows me home" suggests that the narrator finds solace in the moon's constant presence, even as he journeys through different phases of his life. The final line of the stanza, "And I sit and dream and think, / and unstring my violin," suggests that the narrator finds comfort in art and creativity when he is in a state of reflection.

The final stanza returns to the theme of circularity, as the narrator contemplates the idea of death and rebirth. The line "And sometimes I am not certain / which side of the circle is the beginning" suggests that the cycle of life and death is a continuous one, with no clear beginning or end. The final line of the poem, "So I say to my heart, Be still, / and wait without hope, for hope would be hope for the wrong thing," suggests that the narrator has come to accept the cyclical nature of life and is at peace with the uncertainty that comes with it.

Themes

The themes of "To Say Before Going To Sleep" are focused on the cyclical nature of life, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, and the solace that can be found in art and creativity. The poem also touches on the themes of death and rebirth, and the acceptance of uncertainty.

Symbolism

The moon is a recurring symbol throughout the poem, representing the constant presence and guidance that the narrator finds in his journey through life. The image of the violin in the final stanza represents the narrator's creative side, and the solace that he finds in art and music. The circle is also an important symbol, representing the cyclical nature of life and the recurring themes and ideas that the narrator encounters.

Conclusion

"To Say Before Going To Sleep" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that captures the introspective and dreamlike state of mind that we often experience before falling asleep. Through its ethereal imagery and introspective tone, the poem explores the cyclical nature of life and the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. The recurring themes of the moon, the violin, and the circle serve to reinforce the idea of the narrator's journey through life and the solace that he finds in art and creativity. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of Rilke's poetry, and its ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To Say Before Going To Sleep: A Masterpiece by Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke, a renowned Austrian poet, is known for his profound and insightful poetry that touches the soul. One of his most famous works is "Poetry To Say Before Going To Sleep," a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. In this article, we will delve into the depth of this poem and explore its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader, asking them to listen to the words he is about to say. He urges the reader to let go of their worries and fears and to embrace the peace that comes with sleep. The speaker's words are gentle and soothing, like a lullaby, and they create a sense of calm and tranquility.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker describes the world as a place of chaos and confusion, where people are lost and searching for meaning. He acknowledges the struggles that we all face in life, but he also reminds us that there is beauty in the world if we take the time to look for it. He encourages us to find solace in nature, to listen to the birds singing and to feel the warmth of the sun on our skin.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker describes the darkness that comes with nightfall, and how it can be frightening and overwhelming. He acknowledges the fear that we all feel at times, but he also reminds us that there is light in the darkness. He encourages us to look for the stars in the sky, to find comfort in their beauty and to remember that they are always there, even when we can't see them.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker describes the power of dreams, and how they can transport us to another world. He encourages us to embrace our dreams, to let them take us on a journey and to explore the depths of our imagination. He reminds us that dreams are a source of hope and inspiration, and that they can help us to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything together. The speaker reminds us that we are not alone in the world, that there are others who share our struggles and our fears. He encourages us to reach out to others, to connect with them and to find comfort in their presence. He reminds us that we are all part of a larger community, and that we can find strength and support in each other.

Overall, "Poetry To Say Before Going To Sleep" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human experience. It reminds us that life can be difficult and challenging, but that there is also beauty and hope in the world. It encourages us to find solace in nature, to look for the light in the darkness, and to embrace our dreams. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that we can find strength and support in each other.

In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke's "Poetry To Say Before Going To Sleep" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. Its message is timeless and universal, and it speaks to the human experience in a way that is both profound and insightful. If you are looking for a poem that will touch your soul and inspire you to embrace life, then this is the poem for you.

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