Portrait of Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke

1875 - 1926

Born in Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary (now Czech Republic)

Rainer Maria Rilke was a Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist. He is widely recognized as one of the most lyrically intense German-language poets. His writings include one novel, several collections of poetry, and several volumes of correspondence. His best-known works include the poetry collections "Duino Elegies" and "Sonnets to Orpheus," the semi-autobiographical novel "The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge," and a collection of ten letters published after his death under the title "Letters to a Young Poet." Rilke's poetic style was highly introspective and engaged deeply with questions of beauty, suffering, solitude, and the profound challenges of connecting with others. His work has influenced generations of poets, and he is frequently ranked as one of the most significant poets of the early 20th century.

The only journey is the one within.

Timeline

1875

Born in Prague, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary

1886

Parents separated; sent to military academy

1891

Left military academy due to poor health

1895

Studied literature, art history, and philosophy in Prague

1897

Met Lou Andreas-Salomé, who became a significant influence

1899

First journey to Russia with Lou Andreas-Salomé

1900

Second journey to Russia, met Leo Tolstoy

1902

Moved to Paris to work as secretary for sculptor Auguste Rodin

1905

Published "The Book of Hours"

1910

Published "The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge"

1912

Began writing "Duino Elegies" at Duino Castle

1919

Moved to Switzerland

1922

Completed "Duino Elegies" and wrote "Sonnets to Orpheus"

1923

Published "Duino Elegies" and "Sonnets to Orpheus"

1926

Died of leukemia in Montreux, Switzerland

Works

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Notable Quote

The only journey is the one within.

Rainer Maria Rilke

Influences

  • Auguste Rodin
  • Lou Andreas-Salomé
  • Russian literature
  • Romanticism
  • Visual arts

Achievements

  • Considered one of the most significant poets in the German language
  • His work has been translated into numerous languages
  • Influenced generations of poets and writers
  • Developed a unique style that bridged traditional and modernist poetry