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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 does Neruda say in Sonnet XCIV will make him "die a second time?"

2. In Sonnet XC, what is one thing Neruda does NOT say is meaningless after death?

3. In Sonnet XCII, what does Neruda say has no birth and no death, and will therefore last forever?

4. In Sonnet LXXXIII, what does Neruda say he wants to be over his eyes when he dies?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Neruda urge Matilde to sleep in Sonnet LXXXIX?

3. In Sonnet LXXXIX, what does Neruda want Matilde to do when he dies? Why does he want her to do this?

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

5. What are Neruda and Matilde looking for in Sonnet LXXI?

6. What effect does Matilde's absence have on Neruda in Sonnet LXV?

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

8. In Sonnet LV, what attacks the "honied contentment" Matilde and Neruda share?

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

10. What does the figurehead in Sonnet LxVIII appear to do that prompts Neruda to write about her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many poems, Neruda ascribes life-giving or healing properties to Matilde. Describe Matilde's role as a healer or life-bringer throughout the 100 Sonnets. Be sure to use specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Wood is a recurring theme in Neruda's 100 Sonnets. Analyze Neruda's usage of that motif and examine the symbolism and imagery associated with wood. Be sure to support all assertions with examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Neruda includes images of many opposites in his poems, including heat and cold, order and chaos, love and hate, and innumerable others. Very often, the author compares and contrasts those opposites before incorporating both opposites into one unified concept. Analyze at least three poems that contain opposites, and explain how the author reconciles opposite concepts to create one unified idea. Be sure to use specific examples from the sonnets.

(see the answer keys)

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