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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How does the pachuco present himself to the people around him?
(a) As a lost man.
(b) As one of the group.
(c) As a man searching for a home.
(d) As a solitary, challenging figure.

3. What is the Mexican concept of work?
(a) A personal action handled slowly and carefully.
(b) An important action performed extremely well.
(c) A mindless action performed quickly.
(d) An impersonal action executed carefully.

4. Why did Catholicism drastically change the Aztec view of life?
(a) It emphasized man's humanity and personhood.
(b) It placed a merciful God in charge.
(c) It placed man's salvation outside himself.
(d) It saw life linearly rather than cyclically.

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

6. How are the evil words a sign and seal?
(a) They seal the intention of the speaker.
(b) They pull men out of their solitude.
(c) They identify fellow Mexicans among strangers.
(d) They project the result that they will bring.

7. Aside from being an excess, what does the fiesta revolt against?
(a) Form.
(b) Life.
(c) Death.
(d) Sadness.

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

9. Which of the following powers does the saying "I am your father" hold? (Chapter Four, page 80).
(a) The power of the justified and privileged person.
(b) The power of the Creator.
(c) The power of the closed person, the aggressor.
(d) The subtle power of the seemingly weaker person.

10. In Paz's thought, what does a study of the great myths reveal?
(a) Man has broken the order of the universe.
(b) Man can only be saved by something other than himself.
(c) Man will never truly be saved.
(d) Man will continually become better than he is now.

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

12. Why do Mexicans tell lies (Chapter Two)?
(a) Merely for the enjoyment of it.
(b) To protect the other person.
(c) To hide themselves.
(d) To create confusion.

13. 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 people use the word in religious ceremonies.
(c) The fact that it is prohibited in public places.
(d) The fact that its derivations are many and complicated.

14. What model do Mexicans prefer that the woman follow?
(a) The model of The Virgin Mary - chaste and kind.
(b) The model of ancient Mexican goddesses.
(c) A model of strength, praise, and fortitude.
(d) A general model of decency, secrecy, and long-suffering.

15. What masculine trait enters into the idea of feminine modesty?
(a) Vanity.
(b) Love.
(c) Strength.
(d) Protection.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Paz state that the Mexican's indifference hides his life force?

2. When does intimacy sprout among Mexicans?

3. How is the myth of the "long-suffering Mexican woman" created?

4. What makes the foreigner skeptical about Mexicans (Chapter Four)?

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

(see the answer keys)

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