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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Rilke says that there is only one thing that "can grasp and hold and be just toward" art. What is that thing?
(a) Hope.
(b) Love.
(c) Creativity.
(d) Open-mindedness.

2. In what year is Rilke's sixth letter written?
(a) 1908.
(b) 1904.
(c) 1903.
(d) 1912.

3. Near the close of the fourth letter, Rilke mentions the positive aspects of the young poet's new profession. What are those positive aspects?
(a) Inedependence and self-sufficiency.
(b) Independence and solitude.
(c) Discipline and self-sufficiency.
(d) Discipline and solitude.

4. What does Rilke say about careers in the sixth letter?
(a) They show individuals their true selves.
(b) They provide inspiration for poetry.
(c) They distance the individual from his or her true self.
(d) They help to discipline the individual.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. If the young poet discovers he should not be a poet, Rilke suggests that his inner examination will not be worthless. Why not?

2. How long has Rilke been in the city from which he writes the fifth letter?

3. Why does Rilke believe that Rome makes one sad for the first few days of visiting it?

4. Where is Rilke when he writes the second letter?

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

(see the answer key)

This section contains 316 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample