Question

Which is most important when a translator is working on a Rilke poem?

Answer 1

I would do number 2 because that is what most poems do right

Answer 2

Translating a poem is without a doubt a really complex task. The rhyme, meter, length, and stanzas are aspects that construct the structure of a poem, however, poetry transmits ideas of all sorts in embellished language. It has been admitted by many a poet that the meaning of words is far more relevant than the stylistic conventions in a piece of poetry. A fine translation in verse is always welcome, but in the end the effective translation of words is better. The right answer is number 2.