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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Rilke tell the young poet about irony?
(a) Irony should be sparingly used.
(b) Irony should be liberally used.
(c) Irony should never be used.
(d) Irony should only be used for humor.

2. Where is Rilke when he writes the second letter?
(a) Viareggio, near Pisa, Italy.
(b) Athens, Greece.
(c) Berlin, Germany.
(d) Florence, Italy.

3. What does the young poet request in his third letter to Rilke?
(a) A list of publishers to whom the poet can send his work.
(b) Advice on writing sonnets.
(c) Suggestions for further reading.
(d) Copies of Rilke's books.

4. What does Rilke believe is wrong with sex?
(a) It subordinates women.
(b) It distracts the artist from his work.
(c) It goes against Christianity.
(d) It is not wholly human and is based on temporary emotions.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

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

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

5. In the first letter, what does Rilke cite as the most disruptive hindrance to the young poet's progress?

(see the answer key)

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