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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Rilke say one can know if a poem is good?
(a) If it moves its readers.
(b) If it reflects human nature.
(c) If it helps readers understand life.
(d) If it is inspired by necessity.

2. If the young poet discovers he should not be a poet, Rilke suggests that his inner examination will not be worthless. Why not?
(a) The young poet may discover that he has a spiritual calling.
(b) The young poet might then discover his talents for music.
(c) The inner examination will result in the young poet determining a different course that may be better for the young poet.
(d) The young poet may be able to have a well-paying career.

3. Where is the young poet who is the recipient of the letters studying when he begins to receive correspondence from Rilke?
(a) A military academy in Prague.
(b) A military academy in Germany.
(c) A military academy in Paris.
(d) A military acdemy in Oslo.

4. What does the young poet write about in his third letter to Rilke that Rilke mentions in his letter back to the young poet?
(a) The works of Jens Peter Jacobsen.
(b) His first publication.
(c) His decision to become a sculptor.
(d) The works of William Shakespeare.

5. In letter three, what does Rilke claim to be the most important element of becoming an artist?
(a) Patience.
(b) Love.
(c) Open-mindedness.
(d) Creativity.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In what season does Rilke write the second letter?

3. What does Rilke call himself in relation to the young poet at the end of the first letter?

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

5. What does Rilke enclose with his third letter to the young poet?

(see the answer key)

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