'What Survives' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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Who says that all must vanish?
Who knows, perhaps the flight
of the bird you wound remains,
and perhaps flowers survive
caresses in us, in their ground.
It isn't the gesture that lasts,
but it dresses you again in gold
armor --from breast to knees--
and the battle was so pure
an Angel wears it after you.
Translated by A. Poulin
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Survives: A Literary Criticism
Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "What Survives" is a haunting and introspective work that delves into the nature of life and death. Through the use of vivid imagery and evocative language, Rilke explores the idea that the essence of our being - our souls - are what truly survive after we die.
The Poem
Before delving into the meaning behind "What Survives," it is important to first examine the poem itself. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines:
I am, you anxious one.
Don't you sense me, ready to break
into being at your touch?
My murmurings surround you like shadowy wings.
Can't you see me standing before you
dressed in nothing but air?
Don't you hear my words
echoed in the emptiness around you?
I am the dream you are dreaming.
When you want to awaken, I am
that wanting:
I grow strong in the beauty you behold.
At first glance, the poem appears to be about the presence of a ghostly figure, perhaps the speaker's own soul, hovering near a living person. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem has a much deeper meaning.
Interpretation
"What Survives" is a meditation on the concept of the soul, and how it exists beyond the physical body. The poem's central idea is that the soul is eternal, and survives long after the body has died. The speaker of the poem is the soul itself, reaching out to the living person and trying to make itself known.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the soul asking the living person if they can sense its presence. The line "Don't you sense me, ready to break / into being at your touch?" is particularly powerful, as it implies that the soul is just waiting for the opportunity to make itself known.
The second stanza is where the imagery of the poem really comes to life. The soul is described as standing before the living person "dressed in nothing but air." This image is both beautiful and haunting, as it suggests that the soul is both present and intangible at the same time.
The third stanza is where the poem really reaches its climax. The soul is described as being the "dream you are dreaming," and growing "strong in the beauty you behold." This suggests that the soul is not just a passive observer, but is actively involved in the living person's life. The fact that the soul grows stronger in the presence of beauty suggests that it is nourished by the beauty of the world, and that it is this beauty that sustains it beyond death.
Analysis
One of the most striking things about "What Survives" is the way it uses language to create a sense of otherworldliness. The poem is full of rich, evocative imagery that creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The line "My murmurings surround you like shadowy wings" is a particularly beautiful example of this, as it suggests that the soul's presence is both comforting and eerie at the same time.
Another aspect of the poem that is worth examining is the way it plays with the idea of time. The soul is described as being "ready to break / into being at your touch," which suggests that it exists outside of time and space. Similarly, the line "I am the dream you are dreaming" implies that the soul is both a product of the living person's imagination and something that exists independently of them.
Finally, it is worth noting the way the poem ends. The final line, "I grow strong in the beauty you behold," suggests that the soul is sustained by the beauty of the world. This is a powerful idea, as it implies that the things we find beautiful in life - whether it be art, music, nature, or anything else - have a deeper significance than we might realize.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "What Survives" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of the soul and its relationship to the physical world. Through its use of rich imagery and evocative language, the poem creates a dreamlike atmosphere that invites the reader to explore its deeper meanings. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the beauty of the world - and the things we find beautiful in it - have a profound significance that extends beyond our physical existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Survives: A Poem of Resilience and Hope
Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem titled "What Survives" that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and the power of hope. In this poem, Rilke explores the idea that even in the face of great adversity, there are things that endure and persist, providing us with the strength to carry on.
The poem begins with a simple yet profound statement: "I live my life in widening circles." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Rilke suggests that life is a journey that takes us ever outward, expanding our horizons and broadening our perspectives. He goes on to describe the many experiences and challenges that we encounter along the way, from the joys of love and friendship to the pain of loss and grief.
Despite these ups and downs, Rilke suggests that there is something within us that endures, something that survives even the most difficult of circumstances. He writes, "I may not complete this last one / but I give myself to it." Here, Rilke acknowledges that life is finite and that we may not be able to accomplish everything we set out to do. However, he also suggests that the act of trying, of giving ourselves fully to the task at hand, is what truly matters.
Throughout the poem, Rilke uses vivid imagery to convey his message of resilience and hope. He describes the "darkening hills" and the "distant, singing sea," painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and challenging. He also speaks of the "great, round stillness" that surrounds us, suggesting that even in the midst of chaos and turmoil, there is a sense of calm and peace that can sustain us.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is that of the "tree that has stood in the same place / for hundreds of years." Here, Rilke suggests that there are things in the world that endure, that persist through the ages and provide us with a sense of stability and continuity. The tree, with its deep roots and sturdy trunk, represents the resilience and strength that we all possess, even in the face of great adversity.
Ultimately, Rilke's poem is a celebration of the human spirit and its ability to endure and overcome. He writes, "What survives are the things that are loved," suggesting that it is our capacity for love and connection that gives us the strength to carry on. Whether it is the love of a partner, the support of friends and family, or the simple pleasures of life, it is these things that sustain us and give us hope for the future.
In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "What Survives" is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Rilke reminds us that even in the face of great adversity, there are things that endure and persist, providing us with the hope and courage to carry on. Whether we are facing personal challenges or global crises, it is our capacity for love and connection that will see us through. As Rilke writes, "What survives are the things that are loved," and it is this love that will sustain us through even the darkest of times.
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