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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the first letter, what does Rilke cite as the most disruptive hindrance to the young poet's progress?
(a) Drinking.
(b) Non-artistic work.
(c) Looking for others to answer the poet's own personal questions.
(d) Romantic entanglements.

2. What does Rilke call himself in relation to the young poet at the end of the first letter?
(a) A master.
(b) A sage.
(c) An expert.
(d) A stranger.

3. What does Rilke enclose with his third letter to the young poet?
(a) A note to Professor Horacek.
(b) A list of his most recent books.
(c) Copies of some of his poems.
(d) Names of publishers to whom the young poet can send his work.

4. Why isn't Rilke able to fill the request the young poet poses in his third letter to Rilke?
(a) Rilk is preparing to move.
(b) Rilke is too poor to afford to buy his books.
(c) Rilke doesn't want to encourage the young poet.
(d) Rilke is ill.

5. In the second letter, who does Rilke cite as his artistic influences?
(a) Shakespeare and Beethoven.
(b) The writer of the Psalms and Shakespeare.
(c) Jens Peter Jacobsen and the writer of the Psalms.
(d) Jens Peter Jacobsen and Auguste Rodin.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Where is the young poet who is the recipient of the letters studying when he begins to receive correspondence from Rilke?

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

4. What type of poetry does Rilke advise the poet not to write?

5. What does the young poet write about in his third letter to Rilke that Rilke mentions in his letter back to the young poet?

(see the answer key)

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