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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. What is the name of the friend Neruda mentions in Sonnet L?
(a) Cotapos.
(b) Miguel.
(c) Antonio.
(d) Jiminez.

2. In his dedication, Neruda says that poets before him have written sonnets whose rhymes are like crystal or cannon fire. What does Neruda say his poems are made of?
(a) Sand.
(b) Silver.
(c) Wood.
(d) Flowers.

3. In Sonnet XXXI, what two plants does Neruda use to crown Matilde?
(a) Orange blossoms and lilies.
(b) Laurel and oregano.
(c) Vines and lilies.
(d) Laurel and roses.

4. In Sonnet XXIX, where is Matilde born?
(a) The "poor South."
(b) The "dark North."
(c) The "quiet East."
(d) The "rich South."

5. In Sonnet XLIII, where does Neruda look for similarities to Matilde and her appearance?
(a) In the sea.
(b) In himself.
(c) In nature.
(d) In other women.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Sonnet VII, Neruda's lover finally returns his love. What image does Neruda use to describe his feelings after his love is returned?

2. In Sonnet XXXVIII, Neruda says that Matilde's house sounds like what object?

3. What does the river in Sonnet XLIX signify?

4. In Sonnet L, what does Neruda encourage Matilde to do?

5. In Sonnet XIII, what food does Neruda use to describe Matilde?

Short Essay Questions

1. Neruda says that "everything alive has its two sides," including love. In Sonnet XLIV, what are the two sides of Neruda's love for Matilde? Why are both sides important?

2. What is Matilde's role in the "miniature empire" Neruda describes in Sonnet XXXVI?

3. In Sonnet XXXIII, where are Matilde and Neruda before they return "across the crackling sea?" Why do they return home?

4. Why does Neruda's description of Matilde's laugh contrast so strongly with her physical appearance in Sonnet L?

5. What images does Neruda use in Sonnet XLVI to explain how he chose Matilde out of any other alternatives?

6. in Sonnet V, what does Neruda realize after he wanders through the streets "like a man wounded?"

7. What is Neruda looking at in Sonnet XXIV that inspires his phrase, "...so many blues -- heavenly blues, sunken blues --/ our eyes are a little confused?"

8. What are some aspects of Matilde's ugliness and beauty does Neruda list in Sonnet XX?

9. In Sonnet XLV, what does Neruda say will happen to him if Matilde leaves?

10. How is Neruda affected by the "bitter love" he experiences in Sonnet III?

(see the answer keys)

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