One of the greatest influences on Rainer Maria Rilke's early life was his difficult relationship with his parents, particularly with his father. Rilke's father, Josef Rilke, was a strict military officer who had high expectations for his son. This strained relationship and the pressure to conform to his father's expectations had a significant impact on Rilke's emotional and artistic development.
Rilke's early experiences of emotional distance and parental expectations shaped his introspective and sensitive nature. These experiences often led him to seek solace in literature, art, and solitude. Rilke's inclination towards introspection and his yearning for deeper meaning in life became prominent themes in his poetry and writings.
Furthermore, Rilke's formative years were marked by frequent moves and disruptions, as his father's military career required the family to relocate frequently. These relocations exposed Rilke to various cultural and artistic influences, allowing him to develop a broader perspective and engage with different artistic traditions.
Overall, the strained relationship with his father and the resulting emotional struggles, along with the exposure to diverse environments, were the major factors that had a profound effect on Rilke's early life and shaped his sensitive and introspective approach to his art.