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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does Rilke advise the young poet to take comfort in if he feels uneasy in his new profession?
(a) Prayer.
(b) Writing.
(c) Reading.
(d) Solitude.

3. What does Rilke advise the young poet to seek in regard to his sexuality?
(a) A sexuality that is moderate.
(b) A sexuality that is the young poet's own, individualized sexuality.
(c) A sexuality that is based on creativity.
(d) A sexuality that is passionate and fierce.

4. In letter seven, what does Rilke say that love should be?
(a) A union of one with another.
(b) A selfless act.
(c) A balance of mental and physical.
(d) A motivation for each person to become wholly him or herself.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In the sixth letter, in what manner does Rilke advise the young poet to be solitary?

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

3. Why isn't Rilke able to fill the request the young poet poses in his third letter to Rilke?

4. What type of locale is Rilke in as he is writing the fourth letter to the young poet?

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

(see the answer key)

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