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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 7.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Rilke say is "the only courage demanded of us"?
(a) The courage o be solitary.
(b) The courage to be prepared for the unknown or unexpected.
(c) The courage to create.
(d) The courage to love.

2. To what does Rilke compare the "blood of ancestors...mingling with our own"?
(a) Love.
(b) Creativity.
(c) Inspiration.
(d) Solitude.

3. What does Rilke say about careers in the sixth letter?
(a) They help to discipline the individual.
(b) They distance the individual from his or her true self.
(c) They provide inspiration for poetry.
(d) They show individuals their true selves.

4. What does Rilke say is "the most difficult of all our tasks"?
(a) To love another person.
(b) To know God.
(c) To truly embrace solitude.
(d) To uncover the true self.

5. In letter eight, what does Rilke say the young poet "overvalues"?
(a) Victory.
(b) Solitude.
(c) Sadness.
(d) Sex.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the close of the sixth letter, what does Rilke advise the young poet to do in regards to the coming holiday?

2. In letter five, to where does Rilke say he is preparing to move?

3. What does the young poet request in his third letter to Rilke?

4. From where does Rilke write the fifth letter?

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

(see the answer key)

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