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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. In Sonnet XCIX, in what form does Neruda say his heart will exist after he is long dead?

2. Where are Neruda and Matilde in Sonnet C?

3. What opposites does Neruda NOT consider in Sonnet LXVI?

4. What is the constellation Neruda addresses in Sonnet LXXXVI?

5. According to Sonnet LX, what is Neruda afraid has wounded Matilde?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Sonnet LXXXIII, where is Matilde as she sleeps -- both in body and in spirit?

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

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

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

6. What is unusual about the images of winter and cold in Sonnet LXXIV?

7. In Sonnet XCII, what does Neruda choose to contemplate instead of the inevitable death of either himself or Matilde?

8. Why does Neruda write, "Woe is me, woe is me" at the beginning of Sonnet LXII?

9. Who are the man and woman in Sonnet LXXIII, and what do they arm themselves against? Are they successful in fending off their enemy?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many of Neruda's sonnets, particularly those near the end of the 100 Sonnets, Neruda deals extensively with the concept of death. How does the author view death? What are his wishes for himself if Matilde dies before he does? What are his wishes for Matilde should he die first? What does he believe will happen to the souls of the two lovers after their deaths? Use quotes from the sonnets to support any assertions.

Essay Topic 2

Assess Neruda's use of the sonnet as a form of poetry. How are Neruda's poems similar to traditional sonnets? How are they different? How does Neruda view his sonnets when he compares them to those of other poets? Be specific.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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