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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. From what does a fiesta free the Mexican, in Paz's understanding?
(a) The drudgery of common living.
(b) The sense of unfulfilled desires.
(c) The horror of human thought.
(d) The explosive desires he carries in his heart.

2. In his obsession with hygiene, work, and health, what does the North American miss?
(a) True anger.
(b) Truth.
(c) True joy.
(d) All-consuming love.

3. What does the Mexican value in art, religion, and politics?
(a) Purity.
(b) Originality.
(c) Equality.
(d) Form.

4. 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 does not know how to relate to the pachuco.
(c) He sees the pachuco as an invader.
(d) He sees the pachuco as a mythical figure, and thus dangerous.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. During the fiesta of Grito, why do the people shout for one hour, in Paz's interpretation?

2. In Paz's example of the village near Mitla, how is their yearly income spent?

3. As Paz uderstands it, what is the Mexican's relation to death?

4. In contrast to the North American, what is one of the most noticeable traits about the Mexican character?

5. According to Paz, how does death end when a civilization denies it?

(see the answer key)

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