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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Poems on Other Difficulties.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In the second of "The Seven Phallic Poems," who does the poet claim is "drawing my seed up into an abrupt tree"?
(a) A maiden.
(b) Summer.
(c) Love.
(d) A garden.

2. In introducing Rilke's love poetry, the commentator notes that the poet's sexual and sensual undertones are mostly overlooked because of the striking impact of what?
(a) His surreal approach.
(b) His uncommon rhythms.
(c) His spirituality.
(d) His flowery language.

3. In one of the untitled love poems, Rilke writes, "What fields are fragrant as your ______?"
(a) Kiss.
(b) Lips.
(c) Hands.
(d) Eyes.

4. Two-thirds of the poems in "Rilke's Poems on Other Difficulties" come from what year?
(a) 1915.
(b) 1932.
(c) 1924.
(d) 1919.

5. Rilke writes in an untitled poem, "Who keeps innerly _____, touches the roots of speech."
(a) Loved.
(b) Remembered.
(c) Silent.
(d) Stoic.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what amount of time did Rilke write over 1,600 lines of poetry plus a major essay during "the great giving"?

2. In what poem does Rilke write "Life and death: they are one, at core intertwined"?

3. Which poem from "Rilke's Poems of Other Difficulties" speaks of a king?

4. What does Rilke accuse of vilifying sensuality and love?

5. Who does the commentator compare Rilke's relationship toward sex to in the Introduction?

(see the answer key)

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