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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Paz's opinion about Western respect for life?
(a) It is truthful and realistic.
(b) It is not convincing.
(c) It illustrates man's limitations.
(d) It is either hypocritical or incomplete.

2. According to Paz's argument, what is the source of the North American's irritation with the pachuco?
(a) He sees the pachuco as a threat to North American society.
(b) He sees the pachuco as a mythical figure, and thus dangerous.
(c) He sees the pachuco as an invader.
(d) He does not know how to relate to the pachuco.

3. What role does the Mexican man play in society?
(a) He seeks to expand his control in the world.
(b) He defends everything that he has.
(c) He wants to raise Mexico to a place of prominence in the world.
(d) He protects everything entrusted to him.

4. Why are people sad if a person dies badly (Chapter Three)?
(a) There will be no rest for his soul.
(b) The life is less important than the death.
(c) The death should reflect the life.
(d) There is no honor in an untoward death.

5. Through dissimulation, what does a Mexican attempt to do?
(a) Withdraw from society to save his individuality.
(b) Become invisible and save his individuality.
(c) Become himself in contradistinction to others.
(d) Share his individuality with others to make it real.

6. As Paz begins Chapter Two, he says that the Mexican is always afraid to glance at his neighbor. What reason does he give for that?
(a) The glance could spark rage.
(b) His neighbor is a pathetic version of himself.
(c) The glance could reveal his isolation.
(d) His neighbor reveals the disillusioned character of Mexico.

7. When Aztec victims were sacrificed, why did their deaths lack personal meaning?
(a) Their lives did not belong to them.
(b) Any sacrifice to the gods was seen impersonally.
(c) They were at the bottom of the social scale.
(d) No one was left to mourn for them.

8. Why does a Mexican blend into his surroundings and become solely Appearance?
(a) He loves appearance.
(b) He wants to end his individuality.
(c) He fears appearances.
(d) He fears human interaction.

9. Why are woman considered inferior people?
(a) They are not as intelligent as men.
(b) They open themselves up in submission.
(c) They are not as reticent as men.
(d) They are too emotionally attached.

10. What analogy does Paz use to explain Mexico's history?
(a) A man searching for his parents.
(b) A man searching for his wife.
(c) A child without a future.
(d) A child without a family.

11. When does intimacy sprout among Mexicans?
(a) When the nation is least involved in world affairs.
(b) When they are in love.
(c) When they are most alone.
(d) When incited by violence, alcohol, or a fiesta.

12. According to Paz, what is death in modern thought?
(a) The end of all unworthy men.
(b) The putting to rest of all sorrow.
(c) The avoidable end to a wasted life.
(d) The predictable end to a natural progression.

13. What does Paz deem to be the first and most serious change that a man endures when he becomes a worker?
(a) He loses communion with his fellow man.
(b) He stops earning what he is worth.
(c) He loses his individuality.
(d) He loses his sense of the Divine.

14. What contributes to the power of the word, chingar, and all of its derivations?
(a) The fact that the word is related to words related to death.
(b) The fact that its derivations are many and complicated.
(c) The fact that people use the word in religious ceremonies.
(d) The fact that it is prohibited in public places.

15. During the fiesta of Grito, why do the people shout for one hour, in Paz's interpretation?
(a) So the name of Grito cannot be heard.
(b) So they can be silent the rest of the year.
(c) To express their rage.
(d) To express great joy.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Paz consider his philosophical questions?

2. In Paz's opinion, when is a person most likely to see himself as precious and unique?

3. How are the evil words a sign and seal?

4. What is the difference between the Mexican killer and the modern one?

5. Why is the fiesta, at its core, a revolution?

(see the answer keys)

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