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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 3.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Rilke say humans should look for lessons on how to approach sex and pleasure?
(a) Plants and animals.
(b) The Bible.
(c) The work of the great poets.
(d) Artists.

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

3. 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 William Shakespeare.
(b) The works of Jens Peter Jacobsen.
(c) His first publication.
(d) His decision to become a sculptor.

4. In the first letter, in what manner does Rilke suggest the young poet can tend to his personal growth?
(a) Publicly.
(b) Quietly and seriously.
(c) Aggressively.
(d) Patiently.

5. What does Rilke say about everything that is serious?
(a) "Everything serious can be found in art."
(b) "Everything serious is difficult."
(c) "Everything serious can be solved through love."
(d) "Everything serious is actually simple."

Short Answer Questions

1. Besides works by that writer, what other book does Rilke always have accessible to him?

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

3. If the young poet discovers he should not be a poet, Rilke suggests that his inner examination will not be worthless. Why not?

4. In the third letter, Rilke requests that the young poet avoid something. What is it that he asks the poet to avoid?

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

(see the answer key)

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