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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book 1, The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke : Chapter 4, Requiem.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following people does Rilke paint a picture of through poetry?
(a) His favorite pet.
(b) Himself.
(c) His country's leader.
(d) His mother.

2. What language did Rilke speak living in Bohemia?
(a) Russian.
(b) English.
(c) German.
(d) Spanish.

3. What is "Requiem for a Friend" about?
(a) Love for a best friend.
(b) Fear after somebody has died.
(c) Fear when a baby is born.
(d) Failure to save somebody.

4. Who is described as being "like a thief climbing in my window"?
(a) The poet's mother.
(b) An animal.
(c) The poet's friend.
(d) The poet.

5. What is the German 'Angstlicher' referring to?
(a) Somebody who does not understand anxiety.
(b) Somebody who is always anxious.
(c) City of Time.
(d) Somebody having a feeling in a way that is a noun.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the swan symbolize?

2. What is the title of Book 1, Chapter 1?

3. In which poem is personification most relevant?

4. Which of the following would be an analogy used in Rilke's poetry for the way religion has changed?

5. What is the translation of "Black Cat," as shown in the translated version of the poem?

(see the answer key)

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