Poetik der Figur Rilkes und das Allegorische: Am Beispiel der Rose

ABSTRACT: The rose motif in Rainer Maria Rilke’s poetry has been analyzed as a variable signifier through metaphorical, existential-philosophical, phenomenological, and even biographical approaches. However, many of these readings miss its self- referential nature. By contrast, based on Manfred Engel’s interpretive framework, deconstructive approaches, and working from two “thing-poems,” this article suggests that the rose can be read as an allegory for Rilke’s poetic text itself, and is an example of a figure to be found in his poetics of figure. Meanwhile, the rose is identified as an important key showing Rilke’s poetic development.