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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Rilke say individuals can help prepare for God's coming?
(a) Through prayer.
(b) Through religious rituals.
(c) Through art.
(d) Through acts of love.

2. What does Rilke say is wrong with men?
(a) Men are too dominant.
(b) Men oppress women.
(c) Men are too focused on the physical.
(d) Men undervalue what they love.

3. From where is Rilke writing the eighth letter?
(a) Jonsered, Sweden.
(b) Fladie, Sweden.
(c) Paris, France.
(d) Rome, Italy.

4. To what does Rilke compare the realization about the true nature of human existence in letter eight?
(a) A single person left after a war.
(b) A person transported from one country to another.
(c) A person placed in the presence of God.
(d) A person is suddenly taken from his house and placed on top of a mountain.

5. What does the poem enclosed in the seventh letter express a longing for?
(a) Faith.
(b) Creative talent.
(c) Trust.
(d) Love.

6. What aspect of human life does Rilke say is most burdened with conventions?
(a) Love.
(b) Religion.
(c) Marriage.
(d) Inspiration.

7. What does Rilke say humans have grown away from because of their lack of courage?
(a) Art.
(b) The creative self.
(c) The spiritual aspects of existence.
(d) Nature.

8. At the close of the sixth letter, how does Rilke tell the young poet to be?
(a) "Be happy in solitude."
(b) "Be glad and confident."
(c) "Be joyful in art."
(d) "Be one with nature."

9. What holiday is Rilke marking with his sixth letter?
(a) Christmas.
(b) Easter.
(c) All Saints Day.
(d) The New Year.

10. What does Rilke advise the young poet to do if he cannot connect with people?
(a) Develop his sense of empathy.
(b) Learn an instrument.
(c) Identify with nature, animals, and children.
(d) Read more books.

11. What does Rilke imply about losing God?
(a) God does not exist.
(b) Losing God is part of growing up.
(c) Once found, God cannot be lost.
(d) Losing God is necessary if one is to find God.

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

13. In letter five, what statue does Rilke mention is near his place of residence?
(a) A statue by Rodin.
(b) A statue of Ovid.
(c) An equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.
(d) An equestrian statue of Julius Caesar.

14. Rilke says that as time passes, women will stop doing what?
(a) Falling in love.
(b) Imitating men.
(c) Being oppressed.
(d) Having children.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In what manner does Rilke say one must be when one is sad?

2. What is the young poet's military rank?

3. At the close of letter eight, what does Rilke tell the poet about people who give him advice?

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

5. In what year is Rilke's sixth letter written?

(see the answer keys)

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