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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Sonnet LXXXVII, what does Neruda see in the sky that causes him to write the poem and contemplate its content?
(a) The moon.
(b) A single star.
(c) An airplane.
(d) Three birds.

2. According to Sonnet LX, what is Neruda afraid has wounded Matilde?
(a) Her insecurities.
(b) His own critics.
(c) His imperfections.
(d) His selfishness.

3. In Sonnet XCV, what does Neruda describe as "the light that endures," and as a "irrevocable delicate thorn?"
(a) He and Matilde, and the love they share.
(b) The beauty of life.
(c) The power of death.
(d) Mortality.

4. What opposites does Neruda NOT consider in Sonnet LXVI?
(a) Love and not love.
(b) Cold and fire.
(c) Hate and not hate.
(d) Light and darkness.

5. In Sonnet XC, what is one thing Neruda does NOT say is meaningless after death?
(a) His books.
(b) Friendship.
(c) Treasures.
(d) Love.

6. In Sonnet LXXXVIII, what month does Neruda say "returns with its secret light?"
(a) October.
(b) December.
(c) March.
(d) May.

7. What is the "huge and sorrowful family" described in Sonnet LV?
(a) Husbands.
(b) City people.
(c) Humanity as a whole.
(d) Poets.

8. In Sonnet LXVII, to what does Neruda compare Matilde's kisses?
(a) Wine.
(b) Sunshine.
(c) Wind.
(d) Rain.

9. In Sonnet LXXIII, what word does Neruda use to describe the woman who "rose like a fish from the abyss?"
(a) Pallid.
(b) Thin.
(c) Bony.
(d) Vague.

10. In Sonnet LXXVII, what does time sprinkle in Matilde's heart?
(a) Water.
(b) Flour.
(c) Seeds.
(d) Petals.

11. In Sonnet XCVIII, what does Neruda say silences the word in the poem?
(a) His brooding love.
(b) His jealous love.
(c) Matilde's shyness.
(d) His pride.

12. In Sonnet XCII, what does Neruda force himself not to contemplate?
(a) The crippling effects of age.
(b) Losing his memories of Matilde as he ages.
(c) The lovers having to part.
(d) One lover dying and leaving the other behind.

13. What is the constellation Neruda addresses in Sonnet LXXXVI?
(a) Orion.
(b) The Southern Cross.
(c) Ursa Major.
(d) Cassiopeia.

14. What image does Neruda NOT use to describe the sleeping lovers in Sonnet LXXXIV?
(a) Marble statues.
(b) A chalice.
(c) A dark space.
(d) A drop in a river.

15. What happens to Neruda in Sonnet XC that he says makes him feel "the cold up close?"
(a) He fell into the ocean.
(b) He thought he was dying.
(c) He thought Matilde was dying.
(d) He thought Matilde had left him.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Sonnet XCIII, how does Neruda say he will die if Matilde dies before him?

2. In Sonnet LVI, what does Neruda say is exhausted by his songs?

3. In Sonnet LXII, what overshadows the love between Neruda and Matilde?

4. In Sonnet LVI, what does Neruda say gives Matilde its "crystalline proportions?"

5. In Sonnet LIII, what does Neruda say "fly and make their white creations?"

(see the answer keys)

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