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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 6.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Rilke say humans have grown away from because of their lack of courage?
(a) The creative self.
(b) Art.
(c) Nature.
(d) The spiritual aspects of existence.

2. How long has Rilke been in the city from which he writes the fifth letter?
(a) Six days.
(b) Two weeks.
(c) Six weeks.
(d) Two months.

3. What does Rilke claim a sadness that enters into the body is in actuality?
(a) A fear.
(b) Inspiration.
(c) An unknown.
(d) A realization.

4. Why does Rilke believe that Rome makes one sad for the first few days of visiting it?
(a) Its reminders of ages past are oppressive.
(b) It is too busy.
(c) It is too hot.
(d) It no longer has its ancient glory.

5. In the third letter, Rilke requests that the young poet avoid something. What is it that he asks the poet to avoid?
(a) Reading contemporary literature.
(b) Drinking.
(c) Reading aesthetic criticism.
(d) Studying science.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rilke say about fears in the world in letter eight?

2. What writer does Rilke revere most?

3. Why does Rilke delay so long in replying to the young poet's fifth letter?

4. Rilke compares a person to a house and a sadness to what?

5. At the close of letter eight, what does Rilke tell the poet about people who give him advice?

(see the answer key)

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