1. How does Rilke say one can know if a poem is good?
(a) If it reflects human nature.
(b) If it moves its readers.
(c) If it helps readers understand life.
(d) If it is inspired by necessity.

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

3. Where is Rilke when he writes the second letter?
(a) Florence, Italy.
(b) Athens, Greece.
(c) Berlin, Germany.
(d) Viareggio, near Pisa, Italy.

4. What does Rilke advise the poet to do in regard to his efforts to get published?
(a) Discontinue his efforts to receive feedback from publishers and other external parties.
(b) Send his poems to the United States.
(c) Send his poems to Rilke's publisher.
(d) Send his poems to as many magazines as possible.

5. During what decade does the correspondence contained in this volume take place?
(a) 1920s.
(b) 1910s.
(c) 1890s.
(d) 1900s.

Short Answer Questions

1. Rilke writes that "most events are inexpressible," and says that one category of things is more inexpressible than all the rest. What is this category?

2. In what year does Rilke write the third letter?

3. What does the young poet request in his third letter to Rilke?

4. In what year is the first letter from Rilke to the young poet written?

5. What does the young poet write about in his third letter to Rilke that Rilke mentions in his letter back to the young poet?

(see the answer key)

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