1. In the first letter, Rilke says he cannot offer critical commentary on the young poet's work. Why?
(a) Rilke says that critical commentary is insufficient for understanding a work of art.
(b) Rilke cannot read the young poet's work because he is blind.
(c) Rilke is ill and does not have the physical stamina to read the young poet's work.
(d) Rilke believes the young poet's work is flawless.

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

3. What is Rilke's primary criticism of the young poet's writing in the first letter?
(a) It has no individual style.
(b) It does not rhyme.
(c) It lacks creativity.
(d) It is shallow.

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

5. What does Rilke believe is wrong with sex?
(a) It goes against Christianity.
(b) It is not wholly human and is based on temporary emotions.
(c) It distracts the artist from his work.
(d) It subordinates women.

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

3. In the first letter the young poet sent to Rilke along with his poems, what does he ask of Rilke?

4. How does Professor Horacek know Rilke?

5. In the first letter, which of the young poet's pieces does Rilke say demonstrates the most talent?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 387 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample