Don't understand this sentence?

Question

THE MAN WITH THE WEED MAKES IT AN EVEN QUESTION WHETHER HE BE A GREAT SAGE OR A GREAT SIMPLETON.

Why is he referring to 1 question when there is two. Please make your answer understandable, I am not a native speaker.

Answer 1

I would refer to it as a single question.

As soon as you start inserting "OR"s into the sentence you merely change it to a MULTIPLE CHOICE question (pick the best answer.)

This assumes that at least one of the choices is correct...

(which is not always the case!)

Answer 2

It is a single question, whether the man smoking pot is a genius or an idiot.  One question, 2 possible answers, and it's a "toss up" (even question) which he is.

Answer 3

This man makes the questing fair weather this man is smart or an idiot.

Answer 4

when you use the word "or", it divides 1 question to 2.

like it is only one question but 2 options

hope i have helped.

Answer 5

The weed makes it even ground for both... elevates the simpleton... relieves the sage.  I could wax on most poetically.

The weed answers both questions with one statement.