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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What object does Neruda use in Sonnet XLVII to describe Matilde?

2. In Sonnet III, what words does Neruda use to describe love?

3. In Sonnet VII, what does Neruda say reminds him of Matilde's eyes?

4. In Sonnet XIII, what phrase does Neruda insist does NOT describe Matilde?

5. In Sonnet V, Neruda relates Matilde's hips to what object?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Sonnet I, how does Neruda describe Matilde's name?

2. List some examples of earth imagery Neruda uses to describe Matilde in Sonnet XXX.

3. In Sonnet XXIX, why does Neruda say he chose Matilde? How does her background influence his decision?

4. What is Matilde's role in the "miniature empire" Neruda describes in Sonnet XXXVI?

5. What does Neruda say about Matilde's hair in Sonnet XIV?

6. What images does Neruda use in Sonnet XLVI to explain how he chose Matilde out of any other alternatives?

7. 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?"

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

9. What gives Neruda and Matilde the "eternal life of the Natural" in Sonnet XLVIII?

10. What is Neruda looking for when he studies other women in Sonnet XLIII?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine Neruda's opinions on literature as a whole, on poetry, on his own work and talent as a writer and on other poets. How does he feel about each subject? Support all arguments with specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout his 100 Sonnets, Neruda makes extensive use of metaphor and conceit to describe certain concepts or objects that are important to him. Analyze Neruda's use of metaphor and conceit throughout the text, using examples from at least at least four different sonnets. What does Neruda achieve by using metaphor and conceit instead of literal descriptions of the described object or concept? Use quotes from the book to support all assertions.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the importance of Matilde and Neruda's childhoods throughout the 100 Sonnets. What does the author reveal to the reader about the childhood of each individual? What role does each individual's childhood have on them? What role does childhood play in their relationship with each other? Use quotes from the sonnets to back up all arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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