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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the first letter, what does Rilke advise the poet to do to improve his writing?
(a) Begin studying music.
(b) Emulate the best classical poets.
(c) Take a poetry class with Rilke.
(d) Examine his inner self to determine what writing means to him.

2. If the young poet discovers he should not be a poet, Rilke suggests that his inner examination will not be worthless. Why not?
(a) The young poet may be able to have a well-paying career.
(b) The young poet may discover that he has a spiritual calling.
(c) The young poet might then discover his talents for music.
(d) The inner examination will result in the young poet determining a different course that may be better for the young poet.

3. In the first letter, Rilke says he cannot offer critical commentary on the young poet's work. Why?
(a) Rilke believes the young poet's work is flawless.
(b) Rilke is ill and does not have the physical stamina to read the young poet's work.
(c) Rilke says that critical commentary is insufficient for understanding a work of art.
(d) Rilke cannot read the young poet's work because he is blind.

4. What does Rilke advise the young poet to buy in letter three?
(a) A collection of the complete works of Homer.
(b) A collection of the complete works of William Shakespeare.
(c) A collection of the complete works of Jens Peter Jacobsen.
(d) A collection of the complete works of Sophocles.

5. Why does it take Rilke so long to respond to the young poet's second letter?
(a) Rilke has been busy writing.
(b) Rilke has been ill.
(c) Rilke has lost the letter.
(d) Rilke has left it in another city.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is the young poet who is the recipient of the letters studying when he begins to receive correspondence from Rilke?

2. In what season does Rilke write the second letter?

3. What writer does Rilke revere most?

4. In the first letter the young poet sent to Rilke along with his poems, what does he ask of Rilke?

5. Rilke says that there is only one thing that "can grasp and hold and be just toward" art. What is that thing?

(see the answer key)

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