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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. When Orpheus is called in one of the sonnets, who gathers to listen in silence?

3. In Rilke's poem, what do bird feeders represent?

4. In Rilke's description of supplication, from whom does the man expect to receive assistance?

5. Which of the following best describes the "diaphonous girl"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What frustrations does Rilke mention in his sonnets?

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

3. What is "Faces" about?

4. Which elegy is the most emotional and why?

5. What is "The Prodigal Son" about?

6. What allusions does Rilke use in his poems, especially in the poem "Ariel"?

7. Describe "To Holderlin."

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

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

10. What is "The Bird Feeders" about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Of the poems in the book, which is your favorite? Why? What literary devices set the tone for that poem? Why is this pleasing?

Essay Topic 2

How does religion influence Rilke? Is it positive or negative as an influence? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

What is Rilke's voice? How does he achieve this voice using literary devices and subjects? Describe the voice in one of Rilke's poems and how he achieves it specifically.

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