Change Your Life Poetically: Rilke's Duino Elegies

Rainer Maria Rilke's Duino Elegies are one of the most important poetry cycles of the early 20th century. In a daringly imaginative language, the poet addresses fundamental issues of the human experience, such as our enigmatic relation with the divine; the joys and tortures of love; and memory and the transitoriness of things. This talk will offer an introduction to the elegies by combining extensive recitation of excerpts from the poems with interpretive commentary and cultural background information. Addressed to a wide range of non-specialist audiences, the talk will encourage us to relate Rilke's writings to our personal life experiences. Lively discussion is encouraged!

Lecture given by: 

Rolf J. Goebel, Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor of German, Emeritus