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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the first letter the young poet sent to Rilke along with his poems, what does he ask of Rilke?
(a) If his poems are good.
(b) If Rilke can come visit him.
(c) If Rilke can send the poet a poem Rilke has written.
(d) If Rilke can help the poet get published.

2. How does Professor Horacek know Rilke?
(a) Professor Horacek raises Rilke.
(b) Professor Horacek is Rilke's editor.
(c) Professor Horacek teaches Rilke at a military academy.
(d) Professor Horacek knows Rilke's grandfather.

3. What type of poetry does Rilke advise the poet not to write?
(a) Narrative poems.
(b) Love poems and other common forms.
(c) Epics.
(d) Lyric poems.

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

5. In the first letter, in what manner does Rilke suggest the young poet can tend to his personal growth?
(a) Patiently.
(b) Quietly and seriously.
(c) Aggressively.
(d) Publicly.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Rilke's primary criticism of the young poet's writing in the first letter?

2. What does Rilke ask the young poet to do for him at the end of the first letter?

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

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

5. In the first letter, what does Rilke advise the poet to do to improve his writing?

(see the answer key)

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