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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 has no individual style.
(b) It is shallow.
(c) It does not rhyme.
(d) It lacks creativity.

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

3. Rilke challenges the young poet to ask himself a question regarding his writing. What is that question?
(a) "Must I write?"
(b) "Is my writing genuine?"
(c) "Must all of these words be part of the work?"
(d) "Is my writing truly reflective of myself?"

4. In the first letter, what does Rilke advise the poet to do to improve his writing?
(a) Examine his inner self to determine what writing means to him.
(b) Emulate the best classical poets.
(c) Begin studying music.
(d) Take a poetry class with Rilke.

5. What is the name of the young poet who is the recipient of the letters contained in this volume?
(a) Franz Xaver Kappus.
(b) Franz Horacek.
(c) Franz Rilke.
(d) Xaver Rilke.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. 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?

3. What is Rilke's salutation at the end of the first letter?

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

5. How does Rilke say one can know if a poem is good?

(see the answer key)

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