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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Sonnets I through X, what flower does Neruda include in his poems' images?
(a) A carnation.
(b) A rose.
(c) An iris.
(d) A sunflower.

2. In Sonnet XXIII, what flower does Neruda say is "smearing around its bruised secrets?"
(a) Wisteria.
(b) Gardenia.
(c) Jasmine.
(d) Rose.

3. 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) Flowers.
(c) Wood.
(d) Silver.

4. In Sonnet XXVIII, what sprouts in Neruda and Matilde's "stable place?"
(a) Love.
(b) Secrets.
(c) Chaos.
(d) Peace.

5. In Sonnet X, what object does Neruda NOT use as a metaphor for Matilde's beauty?
(a) Wood.
(b) Wheat.
(c) Peaches.
(d) Wind.

6. In Sonnet XLI, what does Neruda hint will bring an end to the "rough times" he describes?
(a) Wind.
(b) Spring.
(c) Love.
(d) Sleep.

7. In Sonnet II, what ultimately brings Neruda and Matilde together?
(a) Fate.
(b) The country.
(c) Their love.
(d) Their loneliness.

8. In Sonnet XIII, what phrase does Neruda insist does NOT describe Matilde?
(a) "Purple shadow."
(b) "Chilly silver."
(c) "Pale fire."
(d) "Burning gold."

9. In Sonnet XLV, what will Neruda do if Matilde ever leaves his side?
(a) Stop writing poetry.
(b) Wander the earth looking for her.
(c) Become insane with grief.
(d) Die from loneliness.

10. In Sonnet X ,what word does Neruda use to describe Matilde's beauty?
(a) Quiet.
(b) Warm.
(c) Soft.
(d) Smooth.

11. In Sonnet XXVII, Neruda describes Matilde as being as simple as what object?
(a) A pebble.
(b) A bowl.
(c) A hand.
(d) A tree.

12. In Sonnet XIX, what insect does Neruda watch and contemplate?
(a) A wasp.
(b) A dragonfly.
(c) A butterfly.
(d) A bee.

13. In Sonnet XVII, what does Neruda imply about the relationship between himself and Matilde?
(a) Their love is so simple that he does not think about it.
(b) Their love is so deep that they are almost the same person.
(c) Their love is so complex that he must study it.
(d) Their love is fleeting.

14. In Sonnet XXXVIII, what historic poet appears wearing his "quiet sandals?"
(a) Virgil.
(b) Euripides.
(c) Homer.
(d) Aristotle.

15. In Sonnet V, Neruda relates Matilde's hips to what object?
(a) Wheat in its fields.
(b) Lilies in a valley.
(c) Trees in a forest.
(d) Barley in its fields.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Sonnet XL, what month does Neruda say "trembled like a butterfly?"

2. In Sonnet XXXII, what starts the morning with "its truths scrambled" and that "drifts like a poor little boat?"

3. In Sonnet XXX, what is the lost object that Neruda says no one will retrieve?

4. Why does Neruda state that he does not love Matilde in Sonnet XLIV?

5. In Sonnet XXXIV, Neruda says that Matilde is the daughter of what natural body?

(see the answer keys)

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