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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In letter three, what does Rilke claim to be the most important element of becoming an artist?
(a) Open-mindedness.
(b) Patience.
(c) Love.
(d) Creativity.

2. What does Rilke tell the young poet to ask himself regarding his religious beliefs?
(a) Whether the young poet's beliefs are his own.
(b) Whether the young poet truly wants to believe.
(c) Whether the young poet's beliefs are merely conventions.
(d) Whether the young poet has ever truly found God.

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) "Must all of these words be part of the work?"
(d) "Is my writing genuine?"

4. What does Rilke say about "the dragons of our lives"?
(a) That they may in fact be princesses.
(b) That they can be slain.
(c) That they are necessary to make us strong.
(d) That they should be cast out of our lives.

5. In letter seven, what does Rilke say that love should be?
(a) A union of one with another.
(b) A motivation for each person to become wholly him or herself.
(c) A balance of mental and physical.
(d) A selfless act.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does Rilke compare "dangerous" sadness?

2. Rilke tells the young poet that in regard to his sickness, he is a sick man, a convalescent, and what else?

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

4. What holiday is Rilke marking with his sixth letter?

5. In letter five, what statue does Rilke mention is near his place of residence?

(see the answer key)

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