Maria Rilke sent to aspiring poet Franz Kappus. “Letter One”, as implied, is the first letter from Rilke to Kappus in the collection. Written in 1903, Rilke’s letter has a central idea that is conveyed throughout the text. Rilke’s letter contains metaphors and specific words to develop the central idea and reveal a consistent tone throughout this letter.
The tone through “Letter One” remains the same. Rilke is teaching the younger poet, like a mentor, and the tone is supportive. Rilke tells Kappus to, “go inside [him]self” (2). Rilke feels responsible for Kappus and wants to be a mentor to him. He says that “the great confidence you have placed in me,” is