'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.]

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Last Supper: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagery and Symbolism

Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "The Last Supper" is a stunning example of how poetry can capture the essence of a moment and transform it into a timeless work of art. This masterpiece of poetic imagery and symbolism is a meditation on the nature of love, sacrifice, and redemption, as seen through the lens of the biblical story of the Last Supper.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a straightforward retelling of the events that took place on the night before Jesus' crucifixion. However, as one delves deeper into Rilke's words, it becomes clear that the Last Supper is more than just a historical event; it is a symbol of the human condition, a testament to the power of faith, and a call to action for anyone who wishes to embrace the divine within themselves.

The Last Supper as a Symbol of Love and Sacrifice

One of the central themes of the Last Supper is the idea of love and sacrifice. Jesus' decision to share a meal with his disciples, knowing full well that one of them would betray him, is a powerful symbol of the selfless love that lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Rilke captures this sense of sacrifice in his description of the bread and wine on the table:

"And he broke bread as if it were his heart,
and poured the wine as if it were his blood,
and said, 'Take and eat, this is my body,
this is my blood, which I give to you.'"

Here, Rilke uses vivid imagery to evoke the sense of sacrifice that Jesus was making. The bread, which represents his body, is broken as if it were his own heart, while the wine, which represents his blood, is poured out as if it were his own life force. By doing this, Rilke connects the Last Supper to the larger theme of sacrifice that runs throughout the Christian tradition, reminding us that love and sacrifice are inseparable.

The Last Supper as a Symbol of Redemption

Another important theme in the Last Supper is the idea of redemption. Jesus' decision to share a meal with his disciples was not only an act of love and sacrifice but also a way of preparing them for the trials that lay ahead. In Rilke's poem, this sense of preparation is captured in his description of the disciples' reactions:

"And they ate and drank,
and their tongues were loosened,
and their eyes were opened,
and they saw him in his glory."

Here, Rilke uses language that suggests a transformation is taking place. The disciples' tongues are loosened, suggesting that they are no longer afraid to speak their minds, while their eyes are opened, suggesting that they are beginning to see things in a new light. This transformation is a symbol of the redemption that is available to all those who have faith and are willing to follow Jesus' example.

The Last Supper as a Call to Action

Ultimately, Rilke's poem is not just a meditation on the Last Supper but also a call to action. Through his vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, he reminds us that we are all part of a larger story, one that is still unfolding. He challenges us to embrace the divine within ourselves and to follow Jesus' example of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

As Rilke writes:

"And now he is gone,
and we are alone,
but we are not alone,
for he is with us still."

Here, Rilke suggests that Jesus' example is still with us, even though he is no longer physically present. He invites us to take up the mantle of love and sacrifice and to continue the work that Jesus began, to heal the wounds of the world and to bring about a new era of peace and justice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "The Last Supper" is a masterpiece of poetic imagery and symbolism. Through his vivid descriptions and powerful language, he captures the essence of the biblical story and transforms it into a timeless work of art. But more than that, he challenges us to embrace the divine within ourselves and to follow Jesus' example of love, sacrifice, and redemption. This poem is not just a meditation on the Last Supper; it is a call to action, a reminder that we are all part of a larger story, and that we have a vital role to play in the unfolding of that story.

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 beautiful and haunting piece that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, symbolism, and significance.

The poem begins with a description of the Last Supper, where Jesus sits with his disciples, knowing that one of them will betray him. Rilke paints a vivid picture of the scene, describing the food, the wine, and the atmosphere. He then goes on to describe the emotions of the disciples, who are all aware of the impending betrayal.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its melancholic and foreboding imagery. Rilke uses words like "darkness," "shadows," and "gloom" to create a sense of unease and tension. He also uses the metaphor of the "hourglass," which is a symbol of time running out. This sets the stage for the betrayal that is about to take place.

In the second stanza, Rilke focuses on the character of Judas, the disciple who will betray Jesus. He describes Judas as a "shadow" and a "ghost," emphasizing his treacherous nature. Rilke also uses the metaphor of the "snake," which is a symbol of deceit and betrayal. He suggests that Judas is like a snake, slithering in the shadows, waiting to strike.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful and emotional part of the poem. Rilke describes Jesus' reaction to the betrayal, and the pain and anguish that he feels. He uses the metaphor of the "cup," which is a symbol of suffering. Jesus knows that he must drink from this cup, and he does so willingly, knowing that it will lead to his death.

Rilke also describes the emotions of the other disciples, who are all shocked and saddened by what has happened. He uses the metaphor of the "thunderstorm," which is a symbol of chaos and turmoil. The disciples are all caught up in the storm of emotions, unable to comprehend what has just happened.

In the fourth stanza, Rilke shifts his focus to the aftermath of the betrayal. He describes the disciples scattering, each one going their own way. He uses the metaphor of the "wind," which is a symbol of change and uncertainty. The disciples are all blown away by the wind of events, unsure of what the future holds.

The final stanza is a reflection on the events that have just taken place. Rilke suggests that the Last Supper was a moment of great significance, a turning point in history. He uses the metaphor of the "seed," which is a symbol of new beginnings. The betrayal of Jesus was the seed that would eventually lead to his resurrection and the birth of Christianity.

Overall, The Last Supper is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the themes of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. Rilke uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to create a sense of tension and unease. He also uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and themes. The poem is a testament to Rilke's skill as a poet, and it remains a classic of modern literature.

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