The Panther Summary Class 10 Chapter Two Poem by Rainer Maria Rilke

"The Heartbreaking Story of a Trapped Panther: Poem Reveals the Despair of Captivity and the Fight for Freedom"

The panther poem analysis | The panther by Rainer Maria Rilke analysis 

"The Panther" is a poem written by Rainer Maria Rilke in 1902. The poem describes a panther that is trapped in a cage in a zoo, and it explores themes of confinement, isolation, and the struggle for freedom.

Here is a stanza-by-stanza summary and analysis of the poem:

Stanza 1: The first stanza describes the panther's movement in his cage. The panther moves back and forth in what the poet calls "the small circle" of his confinement. The panther is described as being "supple" and "powerful," with a sense of contained energy that is waiting to be unleashed.

Stanza 2: In the second stanza, the poet describes the panther's eyes. The panther's eyes are described as "tired and close," as if he has lost hope of ever escaping his captivity. The poet also notes the way the panther's pupils dilate and contract, suggesting that the panther is constantly scanning his surroundings for any sign of escape.

Stanza 3: The third stanza describes the panther's environment. The panther is trapped in a cage with iron bars that form a "web" around him. The poet notes the way the panther's movements are limited by the size of his cage, and how he is unable to break free from his confinement.

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza describes the panther's past. The panther was once a fierce and free creature, roaming through the forests and jungles of his natural habitat. The poet suggests that the panther's captivity has robbed him of his former glory and reduced him to a mere shadow of his former self.

Stanza 5: In the fifth and final stanza, the poet describes the spectators who come to see the panther in his cage. The spectators are described as being "numb" and "dazed," as if they have become immune to the panther's plight. The poem ends with a powerful image of the panther's "trampling" heart, which suggests that even though he is trapped in his cage, his spirit is still alive and fighting for freedom.

The panther poem analysis

Overall, "The Panther" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores themes of captivity, isolation, and the struggle for freedom. The poem uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the panther's sense of despair and confinement, and to comment on the human condition more broadly.

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