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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 Mescalito allow Carlos to do?

2. How did Saceteca stop Carlos?

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

4. Why did Carlos condense his field notes?

5. Why did don Elias stop talking with Carlos?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the difference that appeared when don Juan and Carlos were talking about knowledge?

2. What did the guardian look like?

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

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

5. What is extremely impolite among the Yaquis?

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

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

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

9. What is the difference between a stranger and a practitioner?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare the Yaqui way of life to our own. In what regards do we share similarities? Differences? How does each society react with the environment? Which is more beneficial on an environmental standpoint? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Attempt to classify the religion of a man of knowledge. How is this 'religion' more of a way of life? Explain the teachings of a man of knowledge. In what regard is a man of knowledge a pagan? How is he not a pagan? Do you think a man of knowledge could be of a religious background as well as be a man of knowledge? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Many times throughout this novel, Carlos feels as though he is going to die. Rationalize his motivation to continue on in his attempts to be a man of knowledge. How does his desire to understand what is happening interfere with this attempt to become a man of knowledge?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 915 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample