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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. What did don Juan do at the time of his son's death?

2. What disturbed Carlos?

3. What did Carlos fear when he came to Mexico?

4. What is so interesting to note about Mescalito's treatment of Carlos?

5. What does don Juan point out to Carlos?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What did Benigno and Lucio say in regards to don Juan?

4. What could the guardian do if it got angry?

5. What was don Juan's task as a practitioner?

6. Why, according to don Juan, can a blind man not truly laugh?

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

8. What does don Juan say about Carlos' progress?

9. What was the only important thing, according to don Juan, about Carlos' experience?

10. Why does each chapter end on a dramatic note?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the ways of a warrior as described by don Juan. How does this path require an immense amount of courage and perseverance? What lessons can we take from don Juan's teachings of the ways of a warrior into our own lives? How could these teachings, when properly applied, benefit everybody?

Essay Topic 2

Don Juan explains that the world lacks meaning to him. What would a world be like without meaning? How do you think society would function under this kind of way of life? What kinds of social system would have to be in place if the world lacked meaning or importance? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Speculate on how Carlos' life would be if he went back to living as he used to. Is it possible for him to return to his ordinary life? Why or why not? What kinds of things might bring him back into becoming a man of knowledge? Is it possible that he would want to return to his ordinary life? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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