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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 6.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. At the close of letter eight, what does Rilke tell the poet about people who give him advice?
(a) The young poet should avoid people who give him advice.
(b) People who give the young poet advice should look to their own troubles.
(c) The young poet should be skeptical of people who give him advice.
(d) People who give the young poet advice have had troubled times in their lives, as well.

2. Besides works by that writer, what other book does Rilke always have accessible to him?
(a) The Origin of Species.
(b) A volume of Shakespearian sonnets.
(c) The Bible.
(d) The Torah.

3. What does Rilke advise the young poet to seek in regard to his sexuality?
(a) A sexuality that is based on creativity.
(b) A sexuality that is moderate.
(c) A sexuality that is the young poet's own, individualized sexuality.
(d) A sexuality that is passionate and fierce.

4. What novel does Rilke discuss in letter three?
(a) Jude the Obscure.
(b) Across the World.
(c) Niels Lyhne.
(d) Pifer.

5. What holiday is Rilke marking with his sixth letter?
(a) The New Year.
(b) Easter.
(c) All Saints Day.
(d) Christmas.

Short Answer Questions

1. In whose handwriting does the poem Rilke enclosed with his seventh letter appear?

2. In the fourth letter, where does Rilke instruct the young poet to look for answers to his deepest questions?

3. What two aspects of human life does Rilke claim have no explanation?

4. What does Rilke assert about the nature of human existence that he claims is a fact whether we think so or not?

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

(see the answer key)

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