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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What acquaintance do Rilke and the young poet have in common?
(a) A distant cousin.
(b) Professor Horacek.
(c) Professor Kruppa.
(d) James Joyce.

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

4. 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.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Professor Horacek know Rilke?

2. How old is the young poet when he begins corresponding with Rilke?

3. What does Rilke advise the poet to do in regard to his efforts to get published?

4. From where is the first letter from Rilke to the young poet postmarked?

5. What does Rilke say about Professor Horacek in his first letter?

(see the answer key)

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