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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. Which image does Neruda NOT use to describe Matilde in Sonnet XXIX?

2. In Sonnet XLII, what does Neruda say shields the earth from daylight?

3. In Sonnet XL, what is Matilde doing while Neruda watches her from his house?

4. In Sonnet L, what does Neruda encourage Matilde to do?

5. In Sonnet XLIX, what does Neruda NOT say that he sings to?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Sonnet XLV, what does Neruda say will happen to him if Matilde leaves?

3. List some examples of how Neruda compares Matilde's body to the universe in Sonnet XVI.

4. What brings night and day to Neruda in Sonnet XXXV?

5. Why does Neruda's description of Matilde's laugh contrast so strongly with her physical appearance in Sonnet L?

6. What are some ways Neruda describes Matilde and her house using images related to sound in Sonnet XXXVIII?

7. In Sonnet VII, what causes Neruda's emotions to burst forth like "geysers flooding from deep in its vault?"

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

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

10. 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?"

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

Many of Neruda's poems include examples of cycles or cyclical images. Examine the poet's inclusion of cycles in his poems and the importance of those cycles to the overarching themes contained in Neruda's 100 Sonnets. Use specific cycles that are found in the poems, and support all assertions with examples from the texts.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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