'Herr, Es Ist Zeit' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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Herr: es ist Zeit. Der Sommer war sehr groß.
Leg deinen Schatten auf die Sonnenuhren,
und auf den Fluren laß die Winde los.
Befiehl den letzten Früchten voll zu sein;
gieb innen noch zwei südlichere Tage,
dränge sie zur Vollendung hin und jage
die letzte Süße in den schweren Wein.
Wer jetzt kein Haus hat, baut sich keines mehr.
Wer jetzt allein ist, wird es lange bleiben,
wird wachen, lesen, lange Briefe schreiben
und wird in den Alleen hin und her
unruhig wandern, wenn die Blätter treiben.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Herr, Es Ist Zeit: A Deep Dive into Rilke's Classic Poem
When it comes to the world of poetry, Rainer Maria Rilke is a name that needs no introduction. And if there's one poem that stands out in his vast body of work, it's "Herr, es ist Zeit" ("Lord, it is time"). This timeless classic is a meditation on the transience of life, the urgency of living, and the need to let go of the past. In this detailed 4000-word analysis, we'll take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, literary devices, and cultural context.
The Poem
But before we dive in, let's take a moment to appreciate the poem itself. Here's the original German version followed by an English translation:
Herr: Es ist Zeit. Der Sommer war sehr groß.
Leg deinen Schatten auf die Sonnenuhren,
und auf den Fluren laß die Winde los.
Befiehl den letzten Früchten voll zu sein;
gieb ihnen noch zwei südlichere Tage,
dränge sie zur Vollendung hin und jage
die letzte Süße in den schweren Wein.
Wer jetzt kein Haus hat, baut sich keines mehr.
Wer jetzt allein ist, wird es lange bleiben,
wird wachen, lesen, lange Briefe schreiben
und wird in den Alleen hin und her
unruhig wandern, wenn die Blätter treiben.
Lord, it is time. The summer was immense.
Lay your shadow on the sundials,
And let loose the wind in the fields.
Bid the last fruits to be full;
Give them another two more southerly days,
Press them to ripeness, and chase
The last sweeteness into the heavy wine.
Whoever has no house now will never build one.
Whoever is alone now will remain so for long,
Will stay up, read, write long letters
And wander the boulevards, up and down,
Restlessly, while the leaves are blowing.
Even in translation, the poem's beauty and power shine through. But what exactly is Rilke trying to say? Let's break it down.
Themes
At its core, "Herr, es ist Zeit" is a reflection on the fleeting nature of existence. Rilke uses the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for the passage of time, and he urges the reader to embrace the present moment before it slips away. The poem is also about letting go of the past and accepting the inevitability of change. Rilke acknowledges that holding onto memories and attachments can prevent us from fully living in the present, and he encourages the reader to "lay [their] shadow on the sundials" and "let loose the wind in the fields" by releasing their grip on the past.
Another major theme of the poem is the idea of self-sufficiency. Rilke suggests that the key to a fulfilling life is to be content with what we have and to find joy in simple pleasures. He implies that those who are always searching for more or who rely on external sources of happiness will never be truly satisfied. The poem also touches on the idea of solitude, suggesting that being alone can be a source of strength and growth rather than loneliness and despair.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking things about "Herr, es ist Zeit" is its use of imagery. Rilke paints vivid pictures of the changing seasons, the ripening fruit, and the restless wanderer. The poem is full of sensory details that bring the words to life and create a sense of immediacy. For example, the line "give them another two more southerly days" conjures up images of warm, sun-soaked afternoons, while "the last sweetness into the heavy wine" evokes the rich, heady aroma of a fine vintage.
Another literary device that Rilke employs is repetition. The phrase "Herr, es ist Zeit" is repeated twice in the poem, emphasizing the urgency of the message. Rilke also repeats the word "last" twice, first in reference to the fruits and then in reference to the sweetness of the wine. This repetition creates a sense of finality and emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment.
Finally, the poem makes use of symbolism. The sundial, for example, represents the idea of measuring time, while the wind symbolizes the unpredictable nature of life. The ripening fruit is a metaphor for the passing of time and the importance of making the most of the present moment. These symbols add depth and meaning to the poem and help to reinforce its themes.
Cultural Context
It's worth taking a moment to consider the cultural context in which Rilke wrote "Herr, es ist Zeit". The poem was first published in 1902 in Rilke's collection "Das Buch der Bilder" ("The Book of Images"). At the time, Rilke was part of the German literary movement known as "Junges Deutschland" ("Young Germany"), which was characterized by a rejection of traditional values and an embrace of individualism.
The poem can also be seen in the context of the fin de siècle (end of the century) period, which was marked by a sense of uncertainty and anxiety about the future. Many artists and writers of the time were grappling with the idea of modernity and the rapid changes that were taking place in society. In "Herr, es ist Zeit", Rilke acknowledges this sense of unease and encourages the reader to find solace in the present moment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Herr, es ist Zeit" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of transience, self-sufficiency, and letting go of the past. Rilke's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism creates a sense of immediacy and depth, while his cultural context adds an additional layer of meaning. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to offer insights into the mysteries of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Herr, Es Ist Zeit: A Masterpiece of Rainer Maria Rilke
Rainer Maria Rilke, a renowned German poet, is known for his profound and thought-provoking works. One of his most celebrated poems is "Herr, Es Ist Zeit" (Lord, It Is Time), which is a masterpiece of modernist literature. This poem is a reflection of Rilke's spiritual journey and his quest for meaning and purpose in life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.
The poem "Herr, Es Ist Zeit" is a prayer-like meditation that addresses God or a higher power. The speaker of the poem is seeking guidance and enlightenment from the divine, asking for clarity and direction in life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct theme and tone. Let's explore each stanza in detail.
The first stanza begins with the speaker addressing God, saying "Lord, it is time. The summer was immense." The speaker is acknowledging the passing of time and the changing of seasons. The summer, which is often associated with warmth, light, and growth, has come to an end. The speaker is aware that time is fleeting and that life is transient. The use of the word "immense" suggests that the speaker is reflecting on the vastness of time and the magnitude of its impact on our lives.
The second half of the stanza shifts the focus to the speaker's inner world. The speaker says, "Lay your shadow on the sundials, and on the meadows let the winds go loose." The speaker is asking for a moment of stillness and reflection. The sundial, which measures time, is a symbol of the passing of time. The speaker is asking God to cast his shadow on the sundial, to slow down time and allow for a moment of contemplation. The wind, which is often associated with change and movement, is asked to be let loose on the meadows. This suggests that the speaker is seeking a change in their life, a new direction or purpose.
The second stanza continues the theme of seeking guidance and direction. The speaker says, "Command the last fruits to be full; give them another two more southerly days, press them to ripeness, and chase the last sweetness into the heavy wine." The speaker is asking God to help them make the most of their time and to ensure that they live a full and fruitful life. The use of the word "command" suggests that the speaker is asking for divine intervention, for God to take control of their life and guide them towards their destiny.
The imagery of the fruit and wine is significant. The fruit represents the potential of life, the possibilities that exist. The speaker is asking God to help them reach their full potential, to ripen and mature like the fruit. The wine represents the richness and sweetness of life. The speaker is asking God to help them experience the fullness of life, to taste the sweetness of existence.
The final stanza is a plea for forgiveness and redemption. The speaker says, "Who has no house now, will never build one. Who is alone now, will remain so long, will wake, read, write long letters and will wander in the streets, here and there, restlessly, when the leaves blow." The speaker is acknowledging their mistakes and shortcomings. They are aware that they have not lived up to their potential and have made mistakes that have led them to a state of loneliness and isolation.
The use of the word "house" is significant. It represents stability, security, and a sense of belonging. The speaker is acknowledging that they have lost their sense of stability and security, that they are adrift and alone. The use of the word "never" suggests that the speaker is resigned to their fate, that they have accepted their loneliness and isolation.
The final lines of the poem are hauntingly beautiful. The speaker says, "Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting - over and over announcing your place in the family of things." The speaker is offering a message of hope and redemption. They are saying that no matter how lonely or lost we may feel, the world is full of possibilities and opportunities. The wild geese, which are often associated with freedom and migration, are calling to us, inviting us to join them on their journey. The speaker is saying that we all have a place in the world, that we are all part of the family of things.
In conclusion, "Herr, Es Ist Zeit" is a profound and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of time, guidance, redemption, and hope. Rilke's use of symbolism, imagery, and literary devices creates a powerful and evocative work of art. The poem is a reflection of Rilke's spiritual journey and his quest for meaning and purpose in life. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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