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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what year is the first letter from Rilke to the young poet written?
(a) 1910.
(b) 1909.
(c) 1902.
(d) 1903.

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 be able to have a well-paying career.
(b) The young poet may discover that he has a spiritual calling.
(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 might then discover his talents for music.

3. From where does Rilke instruct the young poet to derive inspiration?
(a) The words of other poets.
(b) The political climate of the times.
(c) Nature, common human experiences, and memories.
(d) Music.

4. How does Rilke advise the young poet to view sex?
(a) To see it as a temptation to be avoided.
(b) To fear it.
(c) To rejoice in it but not lose oneself in it.
(d) To distance sex from art.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In what year does Rilke write the third letter?

2. Where is Rilke when he writes the second letter?

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

4. What has brought Rilke to the place from where he writes the second letter?

5. To what does Rilke compare artistic experience?

(see the answer key)

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