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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Rilke say women have more of than men?
(a) Patience.
(b) Love.
(c) Humanity.
(d) Empathy.

2. Why does Rilke believe that Rome makes one sad for the first few days of visiting it?
(a) It is too busy.
(b) It no longer has its ancient glory.
(c) Its reminders of ages past are oppressive.
(d) It is too hot.

3. In the sixth letter, in what manner does Rilke advise the young poet to be solitary?
(a) The way a rose is solitary.
(b) The way a horse is solitary.
(c) The way a child among adults is solitary.
(d) The way a bird is solitary.

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

5. Rilke tells the young poet that in regard to his sickness, he is a sick man, a convalescent, and what else?
(a) An illness.
(b) A doctor.
(c) A medicine.
(d) A shaman.

Short Answer Questions

1. Rilke says that in certain places, the emergence of women is already taking place. Where is this?

2. To what does Rilke compare the realization about the true nature of human existence in letter eight?

3. At the close of letter seven, what love does Rilke tell the young poet to remember?

4. What does Rilke say about fears in the world in letter eight?

5. To what does Rilke compare people who are preparing for God?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rilke mean when he says that the names of things are often misrepresented of what things are?

2. How does Rilke respond to the young poet's expression of fear that the young poet has lost God?

3. What does Rilke mean when he says that humans have no choice in deciding to be solitary?

4. Why does Rilke believe that women are responsible for a future change in humans' approach to romantic love?

5. Rilke comments on the young poet's profession and compares the young poet's profession to other professions. What is Rilke's general idea about professions?

6. In letter six, what does Rilke tell the young poet he should do if he is lonely?

7. What can be inferred about the young poet's feelings toward his own solitude from Rilke's seventh letter?

8. What does Rilke say about fear?

9. What does Rilke say about the amount of beauty in Rome?

10. Why does Rilke advise the young poet "to be lonely and attentive when one is sad" in letter eight?

(see the answer keys)

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