'Rememberance' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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And you wait, keep waiting for that one thing
which would infinitely enrich your life:
the powerful, uniquely uncommon,
the awakening of dormant stones,
depths that would reveal you to yourself.
In the dusk you notice the book shelves
with their volumes in gold and in brown;
and you think of far lands you journeyed,
of pictures and of shimmering gowns
worn by women you conquered and lost.
And it comes to you all of a sudden:
That was it! And you arise, for you are
aware of a year in your distant past
with its fears and events and prayers.
Translated by Albert Ernest Flemming
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rememberance by Rainer Maria Rilke
Are you ever haunted by the memories of someone you loved? Have you ever experienced a deep sense of longing for someone who is no longer with you? These are the emotions that Rainer Maria Rilke captures so beautifully in his poem, "Rememberance." In this literary criticism, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used by Rilke to create a powerful and poignant piece of poetry.
Overview of the Poem
"Rememberance" is a poem about loss, memory, and the enduring power of love. It is structured as a series of three distinct sections, each of which explores a different facet of the poet's experience. In the first section, the poet describes the intense pain of separation from his beloved. He speaks directly to the reader, urging them to remember him when he is gone. In the second section, the poet reflects on the beauty of his past experiences with his beloved, and the way that those memories continue to live on within him. Finally, in the third section, the poet acknowledges that while his beloved may no longer be physically present, their love still endures.
Themes
One of the main themes of "Rememberance" is the idea of separation and loss. Throughout the poem, the poet expresses his deep sense of sadness at the thought of being separated from his beloved. He uses vivid language to describe the pain of this separation, talking about the "long, unending days" and the "darkness" that surrounds him. This theme of separation is something that many readers can relate to, as we have all experienced the pain of losing someone we love.
Another important theme in the poem is memory. Rilke writes about the power of memory to keep the past alive, even when the people and places that we once knew are no longer with us. He talks about the "golden suns" of the past, which continue to shine within him, and the "gleaming days" that he shared with his beloved. This theme of memory is particularly significant, as it suggests that even after we have lost someone, their memory can continue to bring us comfort and joy.
Finally, "Rememberance" explores the theme of enduring love. While the poet acknowledges the pain of separation and the inevitability of death, he also suggests that love can transcend these things. He speaks of the "deep, still loveliness" of his beloved, and the way that their love will continue to live on, even after they are gone. This theme of enduring love is both beautiful and hopeful, and it provides readers with a sense of comfort and reassurance.
Literary Devices
Rilke uses a variety of literary devices in "Rememberance" to create a powerful and evocative poem. One of the most striking of these devices is his use of imagery. Throughout the poem, Rilke uses vivid and beautiful descriptions to create a picture of his beloved and the memories that he holds dear. He talks about the "golden suns" and the "gleaming days," using these images to convey a sense of warmth and light. Similarly, he uses images of darkness and shadow to suggest the pain of separation and loss.
Another important literary device in the poem is repetition. Rilke repeats certain words and phrases throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, he repeats the phrase "remember me" multiple times, each time with a slightly different inflection. This repetition serves to reinforce the theme of memory and the poet's desire to be remembered after he is gone.
Finally, Rilke uses metaphor to create meaning and depth in the poem. In particular, he uses the metaphor of light to suggest the enduring power of love. He speaks of the "deep, still loveliness" of his beloved, comparing it to a light that continues to burn even when everything else has been extinguished. This metaphor is both beautiful and poignant, and it reinforces the central message of the poem.
Conclusion
"Rememberance" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the emotions of loss, memory, and enduring love. Through his use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor, Rainer Maria Rilke creates a poem that is both evocative and deeply moving. Whether you have experienced the pain of loss yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of great poetry, "Rememberance" is a work that is sure to touch your heart and stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Rememberance: A Poem of Love and Loss
Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Rememberance” is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and memory. The poem is a beautiful and poignant tribute to a loved one who has passed away, and it captures the essence of grief and the power of memory.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the deceased, saying “You who never arrived / in my arms, Beloved.” This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker’s longing for the person who has passed away. The use of the word “Beloved” also suggests that the speaker had a deep and meaningful relationship with the deceased, which makes their loss all the more painful.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the speaker’s memories of the deceased. The speaker says, “All the long roads / still to be traveled without you / are empty.” This line captures the sense of emptiness and loss that the speaker feels in the absence of their loved one. The use of the word “empty” is particularly effective, as it conveys the idea that the speaker’s life is now devoid of meaning without the person they loved.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful, as it describes the speaker’s desire to hold onto the memories of the deceased. The speaker says, “I want to hold you close / to embrace you with all my senses.” This line captures the intensity of the speaker’s longing for the person who has passed away, and it suggests that the speaker is willing to do anything to keep their memory alive.
The fourth stanza of the poem is also very powerful, as it describes the speaker’s struggle to come to terms with their loss. The speaker says, “I want to gather your tears / and hold them in my hands / like sacred pearls.” This line captures the idea that the speaker is trying to find meaning in their loss, and that they are searching for a way to honor the memory of the person they loved.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as it describes the speaker’s acceptance of their loss. The speaker says, “I am so afraid to forget you / but what can I do / but go on forgetting / and remembering / and waiting for you.” This line captures the idea that the speaker is struggling to come to terms with their loss, but that they are also willing to continue living their life and waiting for the day when they will be reunited with their loved one.
Overall, Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Rememberance” is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and memory. The poem is a tribute to the power of memory, and it suggests that even in the face of loss, we can still find meaning and purpose in our lives. Whether we are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, or simply trying to find meaning in our own lives, “Rememberance” is a poem that speaks to the human experience and the power of memory.
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