The 5 movements of the Second Symphony are represented by various objects in the sketch. The "Todtenfeier" is represented by the weeping figure. According to Mahler's narrative, the protagonist recalls a sweet moment in his life in the 2nd movement. As such, the 2nd movement is represented by the rose held by the mourner. The protagonist's moment of bliss is shattered in the 3rd movement when he recalls the turmoil of human existence, which is represented by the dates of the 2 World Wars written on the shaded side of the coffin. In this sketch, "Urlicht" is represented by the illuminated rose on the coffin, with the rose also being a reference to the first line of the Wunderhorn song. Finally, the glorious finale of the 5th movement is represented by the beam of light shining onto the coffin.