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Antonia Pozzi's poetic connection to Rainer Maria Rilke
The poetry of Antonia Pozzi demonstrates a significant intertextual connection with the works of Rainer Maria Rilke. This influence, which marked a turning point in the young poet's formation, goes beyond mere literary impact to represent a deep encounter between two distinct poetic voices.
Both poets explored central existential themes, including the concept of the sacred, the role of death in existence, and the necessity of establishing an authentic connection with the world. These themes reflect a modern struggle to find meaning amidst a crisis of sensory perception and traditional philosophical certainties.
Pozzi's engagement with Rilke was facilitated by her proficiency in German and academic exposure at the University of Milan through seminars by Giuseppe Antonio Borgese and courses by Vincenzo Errante during the early 1930s.