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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Rilke indicates that in the future, men and women will approach each other differently than they do at the time of his writing. How will they approach each other?
(a) Not as sexual objects, but as human beings.
(b) Not as lovers, but as friends.
(c) Not as enemies, but as friends.
(d) Not as opposites, but as human beings.

4. What does Rilke view as a challenge of the young poet's new profession?
(a) Its rigorous hours.
(b) Its adherence to convention.
(c) Its lack of creativity.
(d) Its lack of free time.

5. During what decade does the correspondence contained in this volume take place?
(a) 1890s.
(b) 1900s.
(c) 1910s.
(d) 1920s.

6. In the first letter, what does Rilke advise the poet to do to improve his writing?
(a) Emulate the best classical poets.
(b) Examine his inner self to determine what writing means to him.
(c) Begin studying music.
(d) Take a poetry class with Rilke.

7. How does Rilke say one can know if a poem is good?
(a) If it is inspired by necessity.
(b) If it reflects human nature.
(c) If it helps readers understand life.
(d) If it moves its readers.

8. What does Rilke say the young poet should do if he determines he should not be a poet?
(a) He should join the military.
(b) He should pursue the visual arts.
(c) He should quit writing completely.
(d) He should pursue the musical arts.

9. In the fourth letter, who does Rilke say is more similar than people think?
(a) Humans and animals.
(b) Officers and prisoners.
(c) Artists and farmers.
(d) Men and women.

10. What does Rilke tell the young poet to rejoice in?
(a) The young poet's parents.
(b) The young poet's writing.
(c) The young poet's growth.
(d) The young poet's work.

11. What does Rilke enclose with his third letter to the young poet?
(a) A note to Professor Horacek.
(b) A list of his most recent books.
(c) Copies of some of his poems.
(d) Names of publishers to whom the young poet can send his work.

12. How does Rilke advise the young poet to view sex?
(a) To rejoice in it but not lose oneself in it.
(b) To fear it.
(c) To distance sex from art.
(d) To see it as a temptation to be avoided.

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

14. What is Rilke's salutation at the end of the first letter?
(a) "Yours faithfully and with all sympathy."
(b) "Warmest regards."
(c) "With gratitude and happiness."
(d) "Yours faithfully."

15. Where does Rilke say humans should look for lessons on how to approach sex and pleasure?
(a) The Bible.
(b) Plants and animals.
(c) The work of the great poets.
(d) Artists.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the young poet who is the recipient of the letters contained in this volume?

2. What has brought Rilke to the place from where he writes the second letter?

3. How does Rilke suggest one knows if one should not be a poet?

4. In the fourth letter, what does Rilke say he wishes human beings are more reverent toward?

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

(see the answer keys)

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