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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What has brought Rilke to the place from where he writes the second letter?
(a) Rilke has moved there to work on his writing.
(b) Rilke has moved there to be close to his family.
(c) Rilke has moved there because the community is very supportive of his writing.
(d) Rilke has moved there to get well.

2. What does Rilke advise the young poet to do if he cannot connect with people?
(a) Identify with nature, animals, and children.
(b) Read more books.
(c) Learn an instrument.
(d) Develop his sense of empathy.

3. What does Rilke say the young poet should do if he determines he should not be a poet?
(a) He should quit writing completely.
(b) He should pursue the musical arts.
(c) He should pursue the visual arts.
(d) He should join the military.

4. What novel does Rilke discuss in letter three?
(a) Across the World.
(b) Pifer.
(c) Niels Lyhne.
(d) Jude the Obscure.

5. From whom does Rilke advise the young poet to avoid seeking advice?
(a) Artists.
(b) Military officers.
(c) Parents.
(d) Poets.

Short Answer Questions

1. From where is the first letter from Rilke to the young poet postmarked?

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

3. Rilke challenges the young poet to ask himself a question regarding his writing. What is that question?

4. What does the sixth letter reveal about the state of the young poet?

5. How does Rilke suggest one knows if one should not be a poet?

(see the answer key)

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