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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. In which instrument does Rilke believe Orpheus is perceivable?
(a) Tamborine.
(b) Lyre.
(c) Guitar.
(d) Harmonica.

2. Who is Rilke describing with the following line: "Praising is what matters! He was summoned for that"?
(a) Zeus.
(b) Orpheus.
(c) Hermes.
(d) Apollo.

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

4. In "The Bird Feeders," the poet emphasizes the value of __________.
(a) Children.
(b) Schools.
(c) Bird feeders.
(d) Women.

5. According to Rilke, what do poems written in one's youth lack?
(a) Diction.
(b) Respect.
(c) Figurative language.
(d) Vigor.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Rilke, what does Orpheus invigorate?

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

3. What is the tone of the first poem in "Sonnets to Orpheus"?

4. How are the poems in Book 1, Chapter 5 written?

5. What is the name of the poem following "Ibsen"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the elegy about angels.

2. What does Rilke mean when he refers to "pampered favorites"?

3. What is "The Bird Feeders" about?

4. Describe "To Music."

5. Describe the "diaphaonous girl."

6. Describe Orpheus as Rilke describes him in his sonnets.

7. What does the format of the lines say about Rilke and his poetry in Book 1, Chapter 6?

8. What is the message behind "For the Sake of a Single Poem"?

9. Describe "To Holderlin."

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

(see the answer keys)

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