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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. 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) Three birds.
(d) An airplane.

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

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

4. In Sonnet LXXIX, what does Neruda describe as "a double drum in the forest, pounding against the thick wall of wet leaves?"
(a) His heart and Matilde's heart.
(b) His mortality.
(c) Time.
(d) His hatred for his critics.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Neruda returns to Matilde in Sonnet LXXX, where had he been?

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

3. In Sonnet LVII, who is defeated by the love between Matilde and Neruda's love?

4. In Sonnet LXXXI, what does Neruda urge Matilde to do?

5. What is the "huge and sorrowful family" described in Sonnet LV?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Sonnet XCIII, why does Neruda ask Matilde to leave her mouth half-open if she should die before him?

2. How does Neruda contrast cold and warmth in Sonnet LXXXVIII?

3. What are Neruda and Matilde looking for in Sonnet XCV, and what do they plan to do once they find it?

4. In Sonnet LX, what effect do Neruda's trials and sorrows have on Matilde?

5. What emotion is symbolized by the "calm slow flower, constantly held out" in Sonnet LXXXVII? What does Neruda see that makes him contemplate that emotion?

6. What does Neruda write are the effects of modern society's infatuation with flying in Sonnet XCVII?

7. In Sonnet LXXII, what causes Neruda to exclaim, "Let's go -- get up -- pin back your hair -- take off and land?"

8. How does Neruda describe Matilde's laugh in Sonnet LI?

9. How does Matilde's body comfort Neruda in Sonnet LXXXV?

10. How does Neruda describe his homeland in Sonnet LXIII?

(see the answer keys)

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