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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 6.

Multiple Choice 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?
(a) The young poet might then discover his talents for music.
(b) The young poet may be able to have a well-paying career.
(c) The inner examination will result in the young poet determining a different course that may be better for the young poet.
(d) The young poet may discover that he has a spiritual calling.

2. In the first letter, what does Rilke cite as the most disruptive hindrance to the young poet's progress?
(a) Drinking.
(b) Romantic entanglements.
(c) Looking for others to answer the poet's own personal questions.
(d) Non-artistic work.

3. From where is Rilke's sixth letter written?
(a) Bremen, Germany.
(b) Paris, France.
(c) Rome, Italy.
(d) Florence, Italy.

4. What holiday is Rilke marking with his sixth letter?
(a) Christmas.
(b) The New Year.
(c) All Saints Day.
(d) Easter.

5. From where does Rilke instruct the young poet to derive inspiration?
(a) Nature, common human experiences, and memories.
(b) The political climate of the times.
(c) The words of other poets.
(d) Music.

Short Answer Questions

1. During what decade does the correspondence contained in this volume take place?

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

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?

4. What does Rilke say about careers in the sixth letter?

5. Why has it taken so long for Rilke to reply to the young poet with his seventh letter?

(see the answer key)

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