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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Sonnet LXXXII, what is the "shadow" that Neruda calls an "intermittent friend?"
(a) Sadness.
(b) Death.
(c) Sleep.
(d) Fear.

2. In Sonnet LXX, what wounds Neruda?
(a) His unrequited love.
(b) The silence of the jungle.
(c) His loneliness.
(d) Matilde's eyes.

3. In Sonnet LXVII, where is the origin of the rain that falls on Isla Negra?
(a) Maccu Piccu.
(b) The ocean.
(c) Guatemala.
(d) The South.

4. In Sonnet LIII, what does Neruda NOT cite as "a man's needs, and a woman's?"
(a) Water.
(b) Bread.
(c) Table.
(d) Wine.

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

6. In Sonnet LXXI, what season does Neruda desire to escape from?
(a) Spring.
(b) Winter.
(c) Fall.
(d) Summer.

7. What type of person does Neruda NOT describe as trying to "tie time down?"
(a) Transients.
(b) Bureaucrats.
(c) Businessmen.
(d) Teachers.

8. In Sonnet LIX, what does Neruda say is the only reason that people defame poets?
(a) They are dead and cannot defend themselves.
(b) Their work belongs to the people, not themselves.
(c) The nature of poetry leaves it open to interpretation.
(d) Poetry is not respected as an art form.

9. In Sonnet LII, what does Matilde do that causes the whole earth to sing?
(a) She breathes.
(b) She sings.
(c) She walks.
(d) She dances.

10. In Sonnet LXXXVII, Neruda contemplates the "ceaseless origins" of which human emotion?
(a) Sadness.
(b) Love.
(c) Anger.
(d) Loneliness.

11. In Sonnet LV, what does Neruda say that even love cannot shelter himself and Matilde from?
(a) Distrust in the other partner.
(b) Petty disagreements.
(c) Everyday troubles.
(d) Boredom.

12. What does Neruda say in Sonnet XCIV will make him "die a second time?"
(a) Seeing Matilde remarry after he has died.
(b) Seeing Matilde forget him after he has died.
(c) Seeing Matilde suffer after he has died.
(d) Seeing Matilde die too quickly.

13. In Sonnet LXXXII, what does Neruda say happens to him and Matilde when they dream?
(a) They travel the world together.
(b) They are allowed to be individuals.
(c) They are united in their dreams.
(d) They can read the other's mind.

14. What is the painter in Sonnet LXXVI painting?
(a) The ocean.
(b) Matilde.
(c) Isla Negra.
(d) The jungle.

15. In Sonnet LXXXI, what does Neruda urge Matilde to do?
(a) Sing.
(b) Sleep.
(c) Talk to him.
(d) Cry.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Sonnet LXIII, what land does Neruda call "savage" and "deadly?"

2. What does Neruda say in Sonnet LVIII "snapped at his honest heels" with "sharp little teeth?"

3. In Sonnet XCIII, what does Neruda ask Matilde to do if she dies before him?

4. In Sonnet LXXIX, what does Neruda describe as "a double drum in the forest, pounding against the thick wall of wet leaves?"

5. In Sonnet LV, what does Neruda NOT say attacks "the honied contentment" of love?

(see the answer keys)

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