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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Rilke compares the existence of each individual to a room. What portion of that room do most people experience?
(a) The floor.
(b) A single aspect of that room, such as a corner or a window.
(c) The entire room.
(d) The doorway.

2. How long ago has Rilke departed from the city he has left before arriving at the place where he composes the fourth letter?
(a) Two weeks.
(b) A month.
(c) Two days.
(d) 10 days.

3. In letter ten, what does Rilke say about the news he has received from the young poet?
(a) It is bad news.
(b) It is tragic news.
(c) It is good news.
(d) It is troubling news.

4. What type of sadness does Rilke call "dangerous"?
(a) Sadnesses that are caused by feelings of inferiority.
(b) Sadnesses that one suppresses rather than lives.
(c) Sadnesses that are caused by love.
(d) Sadnesses that are caused by helplessness.

5. What does the young poet request in his third letter to Rilke?
(a) Suggestions for further reading.
(b) A list of publishers to whom the poet can send his work.
(c) Advice on writing sonnets.
(d) Copies of Rilke's books.

Short Answer Questions

1. Rilke challenges the young poet to ask himself a question regarding his writing. What is that question?

2. Which letter from the young poet is Rilke responding to with his fourth letter?

3. What type of poem does Rilke enclose with the seventh letter?

4. Why does it take Rilke so long to reply to the young poet with the ninth letter?

5. What does Rilke say is wrong with the way most people approach love?

(see the answer key)

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