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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 is the translation of "Black Cat," as shown in the translated version of the poem?
(a) Schwartze Kaze.
(b) Schart Kazte.
(c) Schare Catz.
(d) Schwarze Katze.

2. Which of the following poems has the theme of being held back?
(a) The poem about the swan.
(b) The poem about the gazelle.
(c) The poem about ancient women.
(d) The poem about the panther.

3. How did the Bohemians feel about the country being annexed?
(a) Liberated.
(b) Unhappy.
(c) Tolerant.
(d) Confused.

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

5. How did the women described in Rilke's poem about the ancient women dress?
(a) Similar to men.
(b) In Victorian gowns.
(c) In animal patterns.
(d) In bathing suits.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the title of Book 1, Chapter 3?

2. What type of religion is Bavaria known for?

3. What became of Bohemia?

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

5. Which animal is described as being a restless captive?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the poem about Rilke's father in Book 1, Chapter 2.

2. Describe the mythical and legendary women that Rilke describes in Book 1, Chapter 2.

3. Choose one poem from Book 1, Chapter 2 and dissect the meaning.

4. What does Rilke proclaim in "I am the Anxious One"?

5. What is the classical theme that Rilke presents in both "Alcestis" and "Archaic Torso of Apollo"?

6. What does the narrator of "Requiem for a Friend" admire about Paula?

7. What is the significance of the name Creon as it is used in "Alcestis"?

8. How does Rilke describe the gazelle in the poem in which it is the subject?

9. Describe the rhyming scheme of the poem in which the gazelle is the subject.

10. Why is it important to know background information about Rainer Marie Rilke before reading the poems?

(see the answer keys)

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