Who are you then, Marie?
I am a Queen, I am a Queen!
To your knee, to your knee!
And then she weeps: I was — a child —
Who were you then, Marie?
Know you that I was no man's child,
Poor and in rags — said she.
And then a Princess I became
To whom men bend their knees;
To princes things are not the same
As those a beggar sees.
And those things which have made you great
Came to you, tell me, when?
One night, one night, one night quite late,
Things became different then.
I walked the lane which presently
With strung chords seemed to bend;
Then Marie became Melody
And danced from end to end.
The people watched with startled mien
And passed with frightened glance
For all know that only a Queen
May dance in the lanes: dance!...
Poem Analysis:
Rainer Maria Rilke's poem "Madness" delves into the intricate themes of identity, transformation, and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. Through the perspective of the character Marie, the poem takes readers on a journey where perceptions of self and the world undergo profound changes. This analysis examines the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to illuminate its exploration of the human psyche.
Themes:
- Identity and Self-Perception: "Madness" delves into the shifting and evolving nature of identity. It raises questions about how one's self-perception can change over time and under various circumstances.
- Reality vs. Imagination: The poem blurs the lines between reality and imagination, inviting readers to contemplate the fine line between sanity and madness. It explores the transformative power of imagination and its impact on an individual's perception of the world.
- Social Expectations and Constraints: The poem touches on the idea that societal expectations and constraints can limit an individual's expression and self-discovery. Marie's transformation into a princess represents a break from these constraints.
Structure:
"Madness" is a narrative poem with a conversational tone. It consists of six stanzas, each varying in length. The irregular stanza lengths contribute to the poem's sense of fluidity and unpredictability. Rilke uses enjambment, which allows lines and ideas to flow into one another, reinforcing the theme of transformation.
Analysis:
- "She thinks: I am — Have you not seen?": The poem begins with a dialogue in which Marie expresses her evolving self-perception. Her proclamation that she is a queen is an assertion of newfound self-worth and identity.
- "And then she weeps: I was — a child —": The poem's narrative takes an introspective turn as Marie reflects on her past, emphasizing her humble origins as a child. This transition from royalty to childhood represents a fluctuation in self-identity.
- "And then a Princess I became / To whom men bend their knees...": Marie's transformation into a princess underscores her desire for recognition and power. Her newfound status allows her to break free from societal constraints and elicits admiration.
- "And those things which have made you great / Came to you, tell me, when?": The poem prompts readers to consider the catalyst for Marie's transformation. It suggests that pivotal moments can reshape one's identity and perception of reality.
- "I walked the lane which presently / With strung chords seemed to bend...": The poem's final stanza introduces a surreal and dreamlike quality. Marie's transformation into Melody and her dance symbolize her escape from the confines of reality into the realm of imagination.
"Madness" by Rainer Maria Rilke is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, transformation, and the interplay between reality and imagination. Through the character of Marie, the poem navigates the complexities of self-perception and the profound changes that can occur under various circumstances. Rilke's use of language and structure invites readers to contemplate the intricate and fluid nature of the human psyche, ultimately leaving room for interpretation and introspection.