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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. How does Rilke make up for writing in generalized poetic form?
(a) He introuces new characters randomly.
(b) He creates dynamic settings.
(c) He varies line length.
(d) He varies the tone from line to line.

2. In the first elegy, what happens to the images as the poem continues?
(a) They become less descriptive.
(b) They become more reluctant to reveal information to the reader.
(c) They become more confusing and deluded.
(d) They grow more spacious and remain descriptive.

3. In "Ariel" which stanza is the longest?
(a) Second.
(b) Fourth.
(c) First.
(d) Third.

4. What does Rilke refer to as "pampered favorites"?
(a) Children who attend private school.
(b) Women who can work from home.
(c) Scenes of the natural world.
(d) Genuine emotions.

5. In what year was Book 1, Chapter 5 written?
(a) 1910.
(b) 1915.
(c) 1905.
(d) 1912.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In "To Holderlin," which of the following is referenced in the first stanza?

3. The poems in Book 1, Chapter 7 are listed as being written during ____________.

4. What type of fears are addressed in the poem "Fears"?

5. What is the name of the poem that suggests that even going back to ancient times, there was hustle and bustle?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Which elegy is the most emotional and why?

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

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

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

6. What is "The Prodigal Son" about?

7. How did the editors connect praise and grief when putting together Rilke's sonnets?

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

9. What types of fears does Rilke speak to in "Fears"?

10. What frustrations does Rilke mention in his sonnets?

(see the answer keys)

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