Question

Rilke's poem, Orpheus, Euridice, Hermes , focuses on which element of the story of Orpheus and Euridice

A) Their love affair and ill-fated marriage
B) Their participation in the rites of Dionysos
C) Orpheus' death and transformation into an Oracle
D) Orpheus' attempt to see his lost love again

Answer 1

Rilke's poem 'Orpheus, Eurydice, Hermes' centers on D) Orpheus' attempt to reunite with his lost love, Eurydice, which is a famous element of the Orpheus myth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Rilke's poem, Orpheus, Eurydice, Hermes, focuses on Orpheus' attempt to reunite with his lost love, Eurydice after her untimely death. This is a well-known story from Greek mythology where Orpheus, known for his divine musical skills, descends to the underworld. He charms Hades with his music and earns the chance to bring Eurydice back to the living world, provided he does not look back at her during their ascent. Unfortunately, Orpheus looks back right before emerging from the underworld, losing Eurydice forever. This poignant tale emphasizes themes of love, loss, and hope against insurmountable odds, and Rilke's rendering brings a fresh, introspective quality to the ancient myth.