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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. When Orpheus is called in one of the sonnets, who gathers to listen in silence?
(a) Every European person.
(b) Every human in the world.
(c) Children.
(d) Animals.

2. In Rilke's description of supplication, from whom does the man expect to receive assistance?
(a) An ancient Greek god.
(b) An angry god.
(c) A mysterious woman.
(d) Sent angels.

3. What does the layout of the page show the reader about modern poetry?
(a) Modern poets don't care about organization.
(b) Modern poets think about the printed layout of their work.
(c) Modern poets put more emphasis on looks than intelligence.
(d) Modern poets are conceited.

4. In what years were the "Uncollected Poems" written?
(a) 1910-1916.
(b) 1990-1995.
(c) 1913-1918.
(d) 1926-1928.

5. What is similar about each elegy in Book 1, Chapter 7?
(a) Setting.
(b) Length.
(c) Subject.
(d) Diction.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Rilke make up for writing in generalized poetic form?

2. In Rilke's poem, who did the prodigal son feel bound by?

3. In the poem about faces, what do vast numbers of things appear to be?

4. Which of the following is lacking in Rilke's elegies?

5. What is markedly distinct about "To Music"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is "The Prodigal Son" about?

2. What does Rilke mean by "Every angel is terrifying"?

3. Why do you think that only some poems have titles?

4. Who does the invisible 'you' reference in the first poem in "Sonnets to Orpheus"?

5. What is the difference between a poem and prose?

6. What is the distinction between a poem and an elegy?

7. Describe the "diaphaonous girl."

8. Describe the subject of the poem "Ariel."

9. What is "Faces" about?

10. How does Rilke create a dramatic tone in his sonnets?

(see the answer keys)

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