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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Day of the Dead.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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.

2. What is the French sociologists' interpretation of the fiesta?
(a) The people's misunderstanding of life increases their desire for death.
(b) The people's squandering of money appeases the gods.
(c) The people's disregard for death increases their sense of life.
(d) The people's disregard for obligations enhances their sense of time.

3. To follow Paz's previous argument, what is the result when one Mexican confides in another?
(a) Dishonor.
(b) Affection.
(c) Alienation.
(d) Sadness.

4. How does a man become "like the angels" (Chapter Three, page 61)?
(a) By opening fully to death, as well as to life.
(b) By valuing life to its final moment.
(c) By running from death to an embracement of life.
(d) By entrusting everything to God.

5. As the closure to Chapter Two, the reader sees what shadow spreading out over Mexico?
(a) The shadow of Nobody.
(b) The shadow of Catholicism.
(c) The shadow of dissimulation.
(d) The shadow of truth.

Short Answer Questions

1. In his obsession with hygiene, work, and health, what does the North American miss?

2. What do a pachuco's actions and lifestyle demonstrate?

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

4. What familial relationship does Paz equate with solitude?

5. Chapter Three begins with the great effect that fiestas and public celebrations have. What is this effect?

(see the answer key)

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