In the first stanza, Rilke effectively uses a simile to describe the powerfulness of the statues’ eyes. Rilke writes that “we cannot know his legendary head with eyes like ripening fruit” (Rilke 1-2). This comparison occurs when Rilke states that if Apollo had eyes, they would be similar to “ripening fruit” (2). Rilke’s use of a simile in this line helps to describes the development and maturity that Apollo’s eyes would contain if they existed on the statue. Ripened fruit has the appearance of vibrant colors and is full of juices, as it is ready to be eaten. With the use of this simile, if this statue possessed a head, readers could vividly imagine the fullness of the eyes. Rilke’s comparison contributes to the overall theme of the poem. Despite
