View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What object does Neruda use in Sonnet XLVII to describe Matilde?
(a) A fruit tree.
(b) A locked door.
(c) A simple rose.
(d) A lioness.

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

3. In Sonnet III, Neruda compares "Bitter love" to what two objects?
(a) A hole and a trap.
(b) A drink and a broken glass.
(c) Thorns and a spear.
(d) Knives and a lion.

4. In Sonnet XXXIV, Neruda says that Matilde is the daughter of what natural body?
(a) The mountains.
(b) The stars.
(c) The sea.
(d) The sun.

5. In Sonnet XXXV, what flower does Neruda describe as having a "sad savage odor?"
(a) Jasmine.
(b) Gardenia.
(c) Honeysuckle.
(d) Lavender.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Sonnet XXXIV, what does Neruda say can "push back the shadows" and enable Matilde to sleep?

2. In Sonnet XXXV, what brings morning and night to Neruda's eyes?

3. What concept of time does Neruda decide to focus on in Sonnet XLIX?

4. In Sonnet XXXIII, where are Neruda and Matilde going when they traverse "the crackling sea?"

5. In Sonnet X, what is Matilde doing as Neruda admires her beauty?

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. In his dedication, how does Neruda compare his poems to those of other poets?

3. Explain how Matilde acts as a healer and protector in Sonnet XXIII.

4. In what manner does Neruda say he loves Matilde in Sonnet XVII?

5. Why does Neruda give Matilde the title "The One Who Puts Things in Order" in Sonnet XXXI?

6. 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?"

7. What is Neruda's state of being before he meets Matilde in Sonnet XXV?

8. What imagery does Neruda use to describe Matilde as he watches her walk by the sea in Sonnet X?

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

10. In Sonnet VII, what causes Neruda's emotions to burst forth like "geysers flooding from deep in its vault?"

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,072 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample