In what ways can the lessons offered by Rilke apply to works of art other than the literary? How can what he says about, for example, understanding the essence of things and digging deeply into the self apply to the work of singers, or actors, or painters, or dancers?

Debate the validity of Rilke's comments on the relationship between sexuality and creativity in Section 2 and throughout the book. Are these comments accurate or inaccurate? Explore further parallels between sexuality and creativity—consider factors such as communication, vulnerability, intimacy, and sensuality and others as necessary.

Consider Rilke's comments on the nature of male (Section 2, Letter 3) and female (Section 5, Letter 7) sexuality. Are these perceptions appropriate or accurate? Are they manifestations of a kind of reverse sexism? What other differences exist between male and female sexuality, in the way sexuality manifests, is expressed, is communicated? In...