2. What is Rilke's primary criticism of the young poet's writing in the first letter?
(a) It is shallow.
(b) It lacks creativity.
(c) It has no individual style.
(d) It does not rhyme.

3. In the first letter, Rilke says he cannot offer critical commentary on the young poet's work. Why?
(a) Rilke says that critical commentary is insufficient for understanding a work of art.
(b) Rilke believes the young poet's work is flawless.
(c) Rilke cannot read the young poet's work because he is blind.
(d) Rilke is ill and does not have the physical stamina to read the young poet's work.

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

5. 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 enemies, but as friends.
(b) Not as sexual objects, but as human beings.
(c) Not as opposites, but as human beings.
(d) Not as lovers, but as friends.

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

7. What type of locale is Rilke in as he is writing the fourth letter to the young poet?
(a) A southern seaside.
(b) A city.
(c) A farm.
(d) A rural plain.

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

9. To what does Rilke compare artistic experience?
(a) Religion.
(b) Epiphany.
(c) Transcendence.
(d) Sex.

10. In the first letter the young poet sent to Rilke along with his poems, what does he ask of Rilke?
(a) If his poems are good.
(b) If Rilke can send the poet a poem Rilke has written.
(c) If Rilke can come visit him.
(d) If Rilke can help the poet get published.

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

12. Why has Rilke come to the place where he composes the fourth letter?
(a) To meet with his publisher.
(b) To visit his family.
(c) To improve his health.
(d) To write in solitude.

13. What does Rilke tell the young poet about irony?
(a) Irony should only be used for humor.
(b) Irony should be sparingly used.
(c) Irony should never be used.
(d) Irony should be liberally used.

14. From whom does Rilke advise the young poet to avoid seeking advice?
(a) Artists.
(b) Poets.
(c) Parents.
(d) Military officers.

15. Why isn't Rilke able to fill the request the young poet poses in his third letter to Rilke?
(a) Rilke is ill.
(b) Rilke is too poor to afford to buy his books.
(c) Rilk is preparing to move.
(d) Rilke doesn't want to encourage the young poet.