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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When Paz sees that Mexicans return to their tradition, what do they remember?
(a) That their tradition is rooted in conquest and slavery.
(b) That they do not belong to a greater universal tradition.
(c) That they are part of Spain's tradition.
(d) That their tradition is mostly Indian.

2. In Paz's argument, how have tradition and religion always been presented to the Mexicans?
(a) As things that stifle their individuality.
(b) As things leading to their spiritual salvation.
(c) As things that will solidify their national identity.
(d) As things to be held lightly or discarded.

3. What was an important element of all ancient cultures?
(a) Familial relationships.
(b) Historical records.
(c) Religion.
(d) Military superiority.

4. What is the value of Sor Juana's poem, "First Dream"?
(a) A philosophical look at Catholicism.
(b) A philosophical look at the depth of reality.
(c) A penetrating analysis of the effects of European influence.
(d) A comprehensive history of the Indians before Cortez.

5. According to Paz, who is most fascinated by death?
(a) The old.
(b) The infant.
(c) The youth.
(d) The dying.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did the Reform want to justify itself?

2. What is one factor that drives world markets?

3. Why does poetry tend to eradicate history? (Chapter Seven).

4. How does the Indian perceive salvation? (Chapter Five).

5. What was the most radical period of the Revolution?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Paz say about the national differences among Central and South American nations? How does that tie into their relationship with Spain?

2. Throughout his career, what did Jorge Cuesta argue? What are the benefits and downfalls of his argument?

3. What role did religion play in ancient South American cultures? Did Catholicism change that role?

4. What is Paz's definition of "community"? How is that definition knowingly idealistic?

5. Despite Mexico's advancements, where does she still stand on the world spectrum? How can she change her placement?

6. Who was Sor Juana? Why was she an unusual person both in South America and in old Spain?

7. How did Catholicism reduce the Indian converts into passive believers? How was that a significant blow?

8. Mexico has entered a new phase of thinking and history. How does Paz explain that phase?

9. Pulling from the ideas of Jose Gaos, Paz, speaks of the physical duality in Mexico. What does that mean? What significance does that idea have?

10. Why did the new Constitution mandate that education be secular? How might that have made the Mexicans feel?

(see the answer keys)

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