'Death' by Rainer Maria Rilke

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Come thou, thou last one, whom I recognize,
unbearable pain throughout this body's fabric:
as I in my spirit burned, see, I now burn in thee:
the wood that long resisted the advancing flames
which thou kept flaring, I now am nourishing
and burn in thee.

My gentle and mild being through thy ruthless fury
has turned into a raging hell that is not from here.
Quite pure, quite free of future planning, I mounted
the tangled funeral pyre built for my suffering,
so sure of nothing more to buy for future needs,
while in my heart the stored reserves kept silent.

Is it still I, who there past all recognition burn?
Memories I do not seize and bring inside.
O life! O living! O to be outside!
And I in flames. And no one here who knows me.



[Written in December 1926, this poem was the last
entry in Rilke's notebook, less than two weeks before his
death at age 51.]


Translated by Albert Ernest Flemming

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Exciting Critique of Rainer Maria Rilke's "Death"

Wow, what an incredible poem! Rainer Maria Rilke's "Death" is a masterpiece of poetic expression, exploring the nature of death and its relationship to life in a truly profound way. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the rich imagery, complex themes, and masterful poetic devices that make this poem such a timeless work of art.

Background and Context

Before diving into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context and background that informed Rilke's work. Rilke was a German-language poet and novelist who was born in Prague in 1875 and died in Switzerland in 1926. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and his works continue to be studied and admired by readers around the world.

Rilke's life was marked by a deep sense of existential angst and a preoccupation with questions of mortality and the human condition. His writings often explore themes of love, loss, and the human search for meaning and purpose in a world that can seem chaotic and unpredictable.

Poetic Devices and Imagery

One of the most striking things about "Death" is the masterful use of poetic devices and imagery that Rilke employs throughout the poem. From the opening lines, he sets a haunting, melancholy tone that draws the reader in and creates a sense of foreboding:

"Before us great Death stands Our fate held close within his quiet hands."

These lines set the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the inevitability of death and the way in which it shapes and defines our lives. Throughout the poem, Rilke uses powerful metaphors and vivid imagery to convey his ideas in a way that is both beautiful and haunting.

For example, he writes:

"We see the world, once, only once. We are born and we die, And between life proceeds in a dizzying dance, Feet swift and hypnotic, a frantic ballet."

Here, Rilke uses the metaphor of a dance to describe the frenetic pace of life, with its fast-moving feet and hypnotic rhythms. This image is both beautiful and unsettling, evoking the sense of a life that is both fleeting and full of motion.

Rilke also uses powerful visual imagery to convey the sense of loss and separation that comes with death. For example, he writes:

"The earth avails herself of us, and then She takes us back, into her breast again."

This image of the earth taking us back into her breast is both poignant and unsettling, evoking the sense of being consumed and absorbed by the natural world. It also suggests a sense of comfort and safety, as though death is a return to the womb of Mother Nature.

Themes and Messages

At its core, "Death" is a meditation on the nature of mortality and the way in which death shapes and defines our lives. Rilke explores this theme in a number of ways throughout the poem, weaving together different images and ideas to create a complex and nuanced portrait of human existence.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that death is an inevitability that we must all face. Rilke writes:

"Death is the cool night, The rest from the bewildering glare of day."

Here, Rilke suggests that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced as a natural and necessary part of the human experience. This idea is echoed throughout the poem, as Rilke explores different aspects of mortality and the way in which it shapes our lives.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that death is a transformative experience that can lead to spiritual growth and enlightenment. Rilke writes:

"Death is the mother of beauty; hence from her, Alone, shall come fulfillment to our dreams And our desires."

Here, Rilke suggests that death is not an end in itself, but rather a beginning, a doorway to a new and higher form of existence. This idea is echoed throughout the poem, as Rilke uses images of transformation and renewal to convey the sense of spiritual growth that can come from facing our own mortality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke's "Death" is an incredible work of art that explores the nature of mortality and the human condition in a profound and insightful way. Through its masterful use of imagery, poetic devices, and complex themes, the poem offers a deep and nuanced perspective on the way in which death shapes and defines our lives.

Whether read as a meditation on the inevitability of death, a celebration of the transformative power of mortality, or a call to embrace the mystery and wonder of existence, "Death" is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers around the world. As we confront our own mortality and seek to make sense of the world around us, Rilke's words offer comfort, inspiration, and a sense of profound beauty that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Death is a classic poem written by Rainer Maria Rilke, a renowned Austrian poet. The poem is a reflection on the inevitability of death and the fear that it instills in people. It is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that has resonated with readers for generations.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing death directly, asking it to be gentle and kind. The speaker acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, but still fears it. This fear is a common human experience, as death is the great unknown. The speaker’s plea for gentleness and kindness is a reflection of the desire for a peaceful and painless death.

The second stanza of the poem is a meditation on the nature of death. The speaker describes death as a “dark stranger” who comes to take us away. This metaphorical description of death as a stranger is a common one, as death is something that we cannot fully understand or control. The speaker also notes that death is not something that can be avoided, no matter how much we may try. This is a sobering thought, as it reminds us that death is an inevitable part of life.

The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the fear of death. The speaker notes that the fear of death is often worse than death itself. This is a common experience, as the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. The speaker also notes that the fear of death can prevent us from fully living our lives. This is a powerful reminder that we should not let our fear of death hold us back from experiencing all that life has to offer.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a meditation on the afterlife. The speaker notes that there is no way to know what happens after we die. This uncertainty can be frightening, as it leaves us with many unanswered questions. The speaker also notes that the afterlife is not something that can be earned or achieved through good deeds or religious practices. This is a reminder that death is a great equalizer, as it comes for us all regardless of our station in life.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the inevitability of death. The speaker notes that death is something that we must all face, and that it is a natural part of the cycle of life. The speaker also notes that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted. This is a powerful message, as it reminds us that death is not an end, but rather a transition to something new.

Overall, Death is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of death and the fear that it instills in people. The poem is a reminder that death is a natural part of life, and that it is something that we must all face. The poem also encourages us to live our lives fully, without letting our fear of death hold us back. Rilke’s beautiful and evocative language makes this poem a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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