'Extinguish Thou My Eyes' by Rainer Maria Rilke
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Extinguish Thou my eyes:I still can see Thee,
deprive my ears of sound:I still can hear Thee,
and without feet I still can come to Thee,
and without voice I still can call to Thee.
Sever my arms from me, I still will hold Thee
with all my heart as with a single hand,
arrest my heart, my brain will keep on beating,
and Should Thy fire at last my brain consume,
the flowing of my blood will carry Thee.
Translated by Albert Ernest Flemming
Editor 1 Interpretation
Extinguish Thou My Eyes by Rainer Maria Rilke
Wow! What a powerful poem! Rainer Maria Rilke, the Austrian poet, has truly outdone himself with 'Extinguish Thou My Eyes'. This poem is a masterpiece that delves deep into the human psyche and the emotions that come with it.
At first glance, the poem may seem depressing, with its talk of extinguishing eyes and darkness. But as one reads further, they come to realize that Rilke is talking about the desire for escape from the harsh realities of life.
The poem begins with the speaker asking for someone to extinguish their eyes. The eyes are often considered to be the windows to the soul, and by asking for them to be extinguished, the speaker is asking for a release from the emotional pain and turmoil that they are experiencing.
The second stanza reads, "For I would see Thee with mine inner eye / And gaze upon Thee as Thou art in Heaven". Here, the speaker is asking to see God or a higher power, not with their physical eyes, but with their inner eye. This shows a desire for a deeper connection with a spiritual entity and a longing for a release from the physical and emotional pain of the world.
The third stanza, "O take away the hearing of mine ear / That, hearing only songs of mortal mirth / I may hear angels sing", shows a similar desire for escape, but this time from the sounds of the world. The speaker is asking to hear the songs of angels, a higher power, instead of the superficial and fleeting songs of mortals.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker asks for the loss of their sense of touch. They want to be free from the physical sensations of the world, and instead, experience a spiritual connection with a higher power.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with the words, "Extinguish all my senses, that my soul / May, in her ascent to the eternal, / Faint with the joy of being made Thy fool". Here, the speaker is asking for a complete release from the physical world, so that their soul can ascend to the eternal. The use of the word "fool" is interesting, as it suggests a willingness to give up all worldly knowledge and understanding in order to experience the joy of being in the presence of a higher power.
Overall, 'Extinguish Thou My Eyes' is a powerful poem that explores the desire for escape from the harsh realities of life, and the longing for a deeper connection with a higher power. Rainer Maria Rilke's use of language is beautiful and evocative, and the poem is a true masterpiece of literary excellence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Extinguish Thou My Eyes: A Poem of Love and Death
Rainer Maria Rilke, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. "Extinguish Thou My Eyes" is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the themes of love, death, and the human condition. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind this classic poem and explore its relevance in today's world.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing their lover, asking them to extinguish their eyes. This may seem like a strange request, but it is actually a metaphor for the speaker's desire to be released from the pain and suffering of life. The eyes are often seen as the windows to the soul, and by extinguishing them, the speaker is asking to be freed from the burdens of existence.
The second stanza continues this theme, with the speaker asking their lover to "quench my breath." Again, this is a metaphor for the desire to be released from the struggles of life. The act of breathing is a fundamental part of being alive, and by asking for it to be quenched, the speaker is expressing their desire to be free from the constraints of the physical world.
The third stanza takes a darker turn, with the speaker asking their lover to "let me die." This is a clear expression of the speaker's desire for death, which is often seen as a release from the pain and suffering of life. However, the speaker does not want to die alone, and they ask their lover to be with them in their final moments.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most poignant of the poem, with the speaker asking their lover to "find me where I lie." This is a plea for their lover to remember them after they are gone, to visit their grave and keep their memory alive. It is a reminder that even in death, love can endure.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker once again asking their lover to extinguish their eyes. This time, however, there is a sense of acceptance and peace. The speaker has come to terms with their mortality and is ready to embrace the release that death will bring.
So what is the meaning behind this poem? At its core, "Extinguish Thou My Eyes" is a meditation on the human condition. It is a reminder that life is full of pain and suffering, but that love can provide a glimmer of hope in even the darkest of times. It is a plea for release from the struggles of existence, but also a reminder that even in death, love can endure.
In today's world, where we are constantly bombarded with news of war, poverty, and injustice, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the struggles of life. "Extinguish Thou My Eyes" is a reminder that we are not alone in our pain, and that love can provide a source of comfort and hope. It is a call to embrace the fleeting nature of life and to cherish the moments we have with those we love.
In conclusion, "Extinguish Thou My Eyes" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and moving way. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, love can provide a glimmer of hope and that death is not the end of love. It is a poem that has resonated with readers for generations and will continue to do so for generations to come.
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