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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. From where does Rilke write the fourth letter?
(a) Paris, France.
(b) Berlin, Germany.
(c) Viareggio, near Pisa, Italy.
(d) Worpswede, near Bremen, Germany.

2. What does Rilke advise the poet to do in regard to his efforts to get published?
(a) Send his poems to as many magazines as possible.
(b) Send his poems to Rilke's publisher.
(c) Discontinue his efforts to receive feedback from publishers and other external parties.
(d) Send his poems to the United States.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Rilke say the young poet should do if he determines he should not be a poet?

2. In the fourth letter, what does Rilke say he wishes human beings are more reverent toward?

3. In what year is Rilke's second letter composed?

4. Who does Rilke tell the young poet to be considerate of because of their fear of solitude?

5. How does Professor Horacek know Rilke?

(see the answer key)

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