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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. What is the most valued trait in both the military and political realms?
(a) Stoicism.
(b) Courage.
(c) Kindness.
(d) Valor.

2. How does the philosophy of progress treat death?
(a) It disregards death entirely.
(b) It treats death as one more step in life.
(c) It minimizes death.
(d) It pretends to make death disappear.

3. 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 reveal his isolation.
(b) His neighbor is a pathetic version of himself.
(c) His neighbor reveals the disillusioned character of Mexico.
(d) The glance could spark rage.

4. What type of book did Xavier Villaurrutia write?
(a) Religious exhortations about life.
(b) Death-related poetry.
(c) A scientific explanation of death.
(d) Life-related poetry.

5. How does Paz differentiate between views of the body in Mexico and North America?
(a) Mexicans are afraid of their bodies, while North Americans are modest.
(b) Mexicans are modest, while North Americans are afraid of their bodies.
(c) Mexicans live with abandon while North Americans are prudent.
(d) Mexicans are ashamed of their bodies, while North Americans live with physical exuberance.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. In Latin America, what was the importance of Jose Gorostiza's poem, Muerte sin Fin?

3. What is Paz's opinion about the physical features distinguishing Mexicans from North Americans?

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

5. How does a man become "like the angels" (Chapter Three, page 61)?

(see the answer key)

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