'Sense Of Something Coming' by Rainer Maria Rilke

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I am like a flag in the center of open space.
I sense ahead the wind which is coming, and must live
it through.
while the things of the world still do not move:
the doors still close softly, and the chimneys are full
of silence,
the windows do not rattle yet, and the dust still lies down.

I already know the storm, and I am troubled as the sea.
I leap out, and fall back,
and throw myself out, and am absolutely alone
in the great storm.


Translated by Robert Bly

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sense Of Something Coming by Rainer Maria Rilke

Introduction

Rainer Maria Rilke's poem 'Sense of Something Coming' is a masterpiece that has been appreciated for over a century. The poem captures the essence of anticipation and foreboding, conveying a sense of impending doom that is both ominous and thrilling. The imagery and metaphors used in the poem are powerful and evocative, creating a vivid picture in the reader's mind. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the different themes, literary devices, and interpretations of the poem. We will also discuss the historical context and the relevance of the poem in today's world.

Historical and Literary Context

Rainer Maria Rilke was an Austrian poet and novelist who lived from 1875 to 1926. He is widely considered one of the most important poets of the 20th century. Rilke's work is characterized by its intense emotional depth and its exploration of themes such as love, death, and spirituality. Rilke's writing is also known for its use of vivid imagery and metaphors, which create a powerful and lasting impact on the reader.

'Sense of Something Coming' was written in 1910, during a time of great political, social, and cultural upheaval in Europe. The years leading up to World War I were marked by a sense of uncertainty and foreboding, as many people sensed that something significant was about to happen. Rilke's poem captures this feeling of anticipation and dread, reflecting the mood of the times.

Literary Analysis

Form and Structure

The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, creating a sense of symmetry and balance. The poem's structure is simple, yet effective, allowing the reader to focus on the imagery and metaphors used in the poem.

Themes

The main theme of the poem is the anticipation of something significant that is about to happen. The speaker of the poem senses that "something is approaching" and "the air is filled with the portent of it." The feeling of anticipation is both thrilling and ominous, creating a sense of tension and unease.

Another theme of the poem is the transience of life. The speaker refers to "the things that pass" and "the seasons that go by." This theme is reinforced by the image of the leaves falling from the trees, which symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

Imagery and Metaphors

The imagery and metaphors used in the poem are powerful and evocative, creating a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The poem begins with the image of the leaves falling from the trees, which symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The leaves also create a sense of movement and transition, reflecting the theme of anticipation.

The speaker also uses the metaphor of a "great bird" to describe the approaching event. The bird is a powerful and majestic image, conveying a sense of awe and reverence. However, the bird is also a symbol of danger and threat, adding to the ominous tone of the poem.

The use of sensory imagery is also prominent in the poem. The speaker describes the "air" as being "filled with the portent of it," creating a sense of anticipation and foreboding. The sensory details help to create a more immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to feel the emotion and atmosphere of the poem.

Tone and Mood

The tone of the poem is both ominous and thrilling. The speaker conveys a sense of anticipation and foreboding, creating a feeling of tension and unease. However, there is also a sense of excitement and wonder, as the speaker marvels at the approaching event. The mood of the poem is one of anticipation and expectation, reflecting the theme of the poem.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One interpretation of the poem is that it reflects the mood of Europe in the years leading up to World War I. The sense of anticipation and foreboding can be seen as a reflection of the political and social turmoil of the time. The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the transience of life, with the falling leaves symbolizing the passage of time and the inevitability of change.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection of the human experience. The feeling of anticipation and foreboding is a universal emotion that can be felt by anyone. The poem can be seen as a meditation on the human condition, with the approaching event representing the unknown future that we all must face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke's poem 'Sense of Something Coming' is a masterpiece of modernist poetry. The poem captures the mood of Europe in the years leading up to World War I, while also exploring universal themes such as the transience of life and the human experience. The imagery and metaphors used in the poem are powerful and evocative, creating a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The poem's simple structure and rhyme scheme allow the reader to focus on the emotion and atmosphere of the poem. 'Sense of Something Coming' is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sense of Something Coming: A Poem Analysis

Rainer Maria Rilke is a renowned poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His works are known for their depth, beauty, and profound insights into the human condition. One of his most famous poems is Sense of Something Coming, which captures the essence of anticipation and the feeling of impending change. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

The poem begins with the line, "I am too alone in the world, and yet not alone enough." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it conveys a sense of isolation and longing. The speaker is alone, but not completely so, suggesting that there is a sense of connection or expectation that is yet to be fulfilled.

The next few lines describe the speaker's surroundings, which are characterized by a sense of stillness and quietness. The "quiet trees" and "lonely house" create a sense of emptiness and desolation, which is further emphasized by the "empty streets" and "unlit lanes." The speaker is surrounded by a world that is devoid of life and energy, which only serves to heighten their sense of isolation and anticipation.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to sense that something is coming. They describe this feeling as a "trembling" or a "quivering," which suggests that it is both physical and emotional. The speaker is not sure what this feeling means or what it portends, but they are certain that it is significant.

The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker begins to describe the world around them in more detail. They describe the "distant hills" and the "darkening sky," which suggest that night is falling and that the world is changing. The speaker also describes the "wind" and the "rustling leaves," which create a sense of movement and energy. These descriptions stand in contrast to the earlier descriptions of stillness and emptiness, and suggest that something is indeed happening.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes the "sense of something coming," which is now so strong that it is almost overwhelming. They describe it as a "great wave," which suggests that it is both powerful and unstoppable. The speaker is both excited and afraid, as they do not know what this wave will bring.

The poem ends with the line, "I am too alone in the world, and yet not alone enough to make every moment holy." This line is a powerful statement about the human condition, as it suggests that we are always searching for something more. We are never completely satisfied with what we have, and we are always looking for something that will make our lives more meaningful. The speaker is alone, but they are not completely alone, as they are connected to the world around them and to the sense of something coming.

In conclusion, Sense of Something Coming is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of anticipation and the feeling of impending change. Rainer Maria Rilke's use of language and imagery is masterful, and he creates a sense of tension and excitement that is palpable. The poem speaks to the human condition and our constant search for meaning and connection, and it reminds us that even in our moments of isolation, we are never truly alone.

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