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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Rilke advise the young poet to take comfort in if he feels uneasy in his new profession?
(a) Prayer.
(b) Solitude.
(c) Writing.
(d) Reading.

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

3. What does Rilke suggest that all humans share in, both women and men?
(a) Spirituality.
(b) Transcendence.
(c) Reverence.
(d) Motherhood.

4. How does the young poet describe the writer and personal acquaintance Rilke mentions?
(a) "Living and writing with blood."
(b) "Living and writing with true passion."
(c) "Living and writing among the living."
(d) "Living and writing in heat."

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In the first letter the young poet sent to Rilke along with his poems, what does he ask of Rilke?

3. In the first letter, which of the young poet's pieces does Rilke say demonstrates the most talent?

4. What acquaintance do Rilke and the young poet have in common?

5. What does Rilke advise the young poet to seek in regard to his sexuality?

(see the answer key)

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