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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. In Sonnet LIV, what two things does Neruda describe as being "like two wings?"
(a) Matilde's feet.
(b) Matilde's hands.
(c) The mind and love.
(d) Lovers' passion and love.

3. In Sonnet XCI, what does Neruda give Matilde that "fills with years like a swelling cluster of fruit?"
(a) Her identity.
(b) His life.
(c) His poems.
(d) Their plans for the future.

4. In Sonnet XCIX, in what form does Neruda say his heart will exist after he is long dead?
(a) It will exist as dust.
(b) It will exist as water.
(c) It will exist as rich soil.
(d) It will exist as steam.

5. In Sonnet LXXXII, what is the "shadow" that Neruda calls an "intermittent friend?"
(a) Death.
(b) Sadness.
(c) Fear.
(d) Sleep.

6. In Sonnet LV, what does Neruda say that even love cannot shelter himself and Matilde from?
(a) Distrust in the other partner.
(b) Boredom.
(c) Petty disagreements.
(d) Everyday troubles.

7. In Sonnet LIII, what does Neruda say "fly and make their white creations?"
(a) Neruda's thoughts.
(b) Matilde's hands.
(c) Matilde's feet.
(d) Neruda's poems.

8. What does Neruda propose he and Matilde do at the end of Sonnet LXXVIII?
(a) Drift down time's river.
(b) Plant a garden in the hills.
(c) Swing freely through the trees.
(d) Light a fire on a mountain.

9. In Sonnet LV, what does Neruda NOT say attacks "the honied contentment" of love?
(a) Thorns.
(b) Fights.
(c) Shattered glass.
(d) Sickness.

10. Which image does Neruda NOT use to describe the constellation in Sonnet LXXXVI?
(a) A box.
(b) A fish.
(c) Frost.
(d) Parsley.

11. In Sonnet LXVI, what is the reason Neruda says he will die?
(a) Because he loves Matilde.
(b) Because he can not love Matilde.
(c) Because his heart has broken.
(d) Because he is so selfish.

12. In Sonnet LXIII, what land does Neruda call "savage" and "deadly?"
(a) Peru.
(b) His own homeland.
(c) Cuba.
(d) The desert.

13. In Sonnet LII, what does Matilde do that causes the whole earth to sing?
(a) She breathes.
(b) She sings.
(c) She dances.
(d) She walks.

14. In Sonnet LXX, which of Neruda's emotions is revealed after he is wounded?
(a) His pride.
(b) His grief.
(c) His anger.
(d) His selfishness.

15. In Sonnet LXXIII, what word does Neruda use to describe the woman who "rose like a fish from the abyss?"
(a) Vague.
(b) Bony.
(c) Thin.
(d) Pallid.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Sonnet LI, Matilde's laugh reminds Neruda of what kind of tree?

2. In Sonnet LXIX, what does Neruda say "nothingness" is?

3. In Sonnet LXXIII, what are the man and woman in Neruda's poem protecting themselves from?

4. In Sonnet LXX, what wounds Neruda?

5. What happens to Neruda in Sonnet XC that he says makes him feel "the cold up close?"

(see the answer keys)

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