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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Poems on Love.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The translator claims that the poems in "Rilke's Poems on Love" deserve to take their place alongside whose great love poems?
(a) Dante's.
(b) Shelley's.
(c) Byron's.
(d) Ovid's.

2. In what year was Rilke born?
(a) 1899.
(b) 1875.
(c) 1800.
(d) 1919.

3. In introducing Rilke's love poetry, the commentator notes that the poet's sexual and sensual undertones are mostly overlooked because of the striking impact of what?
(a) His uncommon rhythms.
(b) His surreal approach.
(c) His spirituality.
(d) His flowery language.

4. In Rilke's first letter he suggests to the reader to "resolve to be always" what?
(a) Ending.
(b) Failing.
(c) Trying.
(d) Beginning.

5. In the second of "The Seven Phallic Poems," who does the poet claim is "drawing my seed up into an abrupt tree"?
(a) Love.
(b) Summer.
(c) A garden.
(d) A maiden.

Short Answer Questions

1. Rilke writes in one letter, "At bottom ______ can help anyone else in life."

2. In "The Seven Phallic Poems," who "grasps suddenly the bull bud of his vitality"?

3. Rilke writes of love that "So whoever loves must try to act as if he had a _________."

4. According to Rilke, there is "scarcely anything more difficult" than what?

5. The commentator concludes the introduction to Rilke's love poetry in saying, "Rilke's poetry is somewhat precious and even _______."

(see the answer key)

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