View a FREE sample

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

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) Open-mindedness.
(c) Creativity.
(d) Love.

2. What does Rilke ask the young poet to do for him at the end of the first letter?
(a) Tell Professor Horacek of Rilke's esteem for him.
(b) Distribute Rilke's books to the young poet's friends.
(c) Write a letter to the young poet's school informing the school of Rilke's success.
(d) Visit his mother.

3. What does Rilke enclose with his third letter to the young poet?
(a) A list of his most recent books.
(b) A note to Professor Horacek.
(c) Names of publishers to whom the young poet can send his work.
(d) Copies of some of his poems.

4. To what does Rilke compare artistic experience?
(a) Sex.
(b) Transcendence.
(c) Religion.
(d) Epiphany.

5. In the third letter, what does Rilke say he wishes he could do for the young poet but is unable to do?
(a) Give the poet some of his own books.
(b) Present the poet's work to Rilke's publishers.
(c) Visit the young poet.
(d) Publish the poet's work.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the first letter, Rilke says he cannot offer critical commentary on the young poet's work. Why?

2. What does Rilke believe is wrong with sex?

3. How does Rilke say one can know if a poem is good?

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

5. In letter three, what does Rilke claim to be the most important element of becoming an artist?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 371 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample