Why did Rainer Maria Rilke and Clara Westhoff separate soon after their daughter was born?

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Rainer Maria Rilke and Clara Westhoff decided on a friendly separation shortly after the birth of their daughter in December 1901 to ensure they were both free to pursue their individual careers.1

While they had initially set up a household together in a farm cottage in Westerwede following their marriage in April 1901, the couple chose to part ways to maintain the independence necessary for their respective artistic paths.1