View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In Sonnet LVI, what word does Neruda say fills the world with doves?

2. In Sonnet LXXIX, what does Neruda describe as "a double drum in the forest, pounding against the thick wall of wet leaves?"

3. In Sonnet LXXI, what season does Neruda desire to escape from?

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

5. In Sonnet LXXI, Neruda says that love is like what kind of city?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Neruda respond to his critics and those who gossip about him in Sonnet LVII?

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

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

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

5. in Sonnet LXIX, what does Neruda say is the possible definition of "nothingness?"

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

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

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

9. Where are Neruda and Matilde when they share a kiss in Sonnet C?

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

Choose at least three recurring motifs that appear throughout Neruda's works. Explore the significance of each recurring motif, including any symbolism associated with the motif. Support all assertions with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

The specific imagery in each of Neruda's sonnets creates a definite mood and tone for each poem. Using at least four different poems, provide an in-depth analysis of mood and tone in Neruda's work. For each poem, provide specific examples of words or phrases that contribute to the poem's overarching mood, and explain how each poem's syntax perpetuates the mood established in each sonnet.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,019 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample