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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Carlos think he is better off than the shoeshine boys?

2. What color was the light that emanated from the men?

3. Why can Carlos' view of the world not be final?

4. When did don Juan's scars disappear?

5. Why did don Juan leave the room?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does don Juan point out in regards to Carlos' view of the shoeshine boys?

2. What was don Juan's explanation for the lights behind them?

3. How can a person who only 'sees' never really be happy or attached to anything?

4. Why did Carlos leave his apprenticeship with don Juan?

5. What was the confusion regarding allies and the smoke?

6. What differences does don Juan offer between his protectors and the ones created by the Catholic faith?

7. Why will Carlos never believe what actually went on with don Genaro at the waterfall?

8. How must someone approach Mescalito?

9. What about Castaneda's behavior did don Genaro find amusing and why?

10. Why didn't Carlos 'see' the people that were around when he had left the plants?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There has been much debate on whether or not these are factual accounts, or if the entire book was a work of fiction. Explain why people might have difficulty accepting this novel as a true account. What are your personal conceptions of this novel? Is it a work of fiction, or could they be actual field notes? Explain your reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of the word "sorcerer". What kinds of images does this word conjure? Would a "conjurer" be a better term for a man of knowledge? If so, explain why, if not suggest another term and a rationale behind it.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Native American use of hallucinogens. Do you think it is acceptable for Native Americans to use controlled substances? Why? Compare the old European way of life and use of substances to that of the Native Americans. How are we similar? How do we differ?

(see the answer keys)

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