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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does Rilke tell the young poet about irony?
(a) Irony should only be used for humor.
(b) Irony should never be used.
(c) Irony should be sparingly used.
(d) Irony should be liberally used.

3. What has brought Rilke to the place from where he writes the second letter?
(a) Rilke has moved there to get well.
(b) Rilke has moved there because the community is very supportive of his writing.
(c) Rilke has moved there to be close to his family.
(d) Rilke has moved there to work on his writing.

4. Who does Rilke tell the young poet to be considerate of because of their fear of solitude?
(a) Parents.
(b) Artists who have not yet found their way.
(c) The elderly.
(d) Children.

5. How does Rilke say that humans should approach physical pleasure?
(a) As something to use for distraction from worry.
(b) As something to rejoice in.
(c) As something to save for special occasions.
(d) As something to guard carefully.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why does it take Rilke so long to respond to the young poet's second letter?

3. What writer does Rilke revere most?

4. In the second letter, who does Rilke cite as his artistic influences?

5. In the first letter, in what manner does Rilke suggest the young poet can tend to his personal growth?

(see the answer key)

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