Images of parents and God

Rainer Maria Rilke’s conception of God has been examined from many perspectives, but this essay attempts to shed light on the poet’s relationship to God and Christ from a hitherto unexplored angle. Rilke’s relationship with his parents - especially his mother - his family environment and his socialization raise a number of connections. The essay focuses on his attachment to his parents, his familial socialization and the nature of his relationship with God. Interdisciplinary research has made it clear that the relationship between parents and child is linked to the later image of God. This work spans the period from Rilke’s childhood to his second trip to Russia. The focus is on Rilke’s poems, letters and notes, which help to decipher the poet’s image of God and his relationship to his mother, father and Christ. As a result of the investigation, it can be established that Rilke’s early attachment and socialization can be linked to his later image of God, the child in search of security and stability and the poet in search of a point of orientation.