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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. Castaneda does not agree with his friend because Don Juan demonstrates an ability to _________ him too accurately.

2. What kind of animal does Don Juan talk about having chased during his life?

3. Castaneda believes his father was __________ because he never carried through any plan.

4. Don Juan states that when one has no personal history, no _____________ are needed anymore.

5. Don Juan tells Castaneda it is important that Castaneda not __________ him.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Castaneda think Don Juan is crazy, like his friend seems to believe?

2. What does Don Juan want Castaneda to see in his eyes when he commands him to look at him?

3. When Castaneda goes to visit Don Juan in December of 1960, what question does he ask Don Juan upon his arrival?

4. What does Don Juan say the wind's identity truly is, rather than just being a part of nature's actions?

5. What does Don Juan say to Castaneda when he asks how someone can drop his personal history?

6. What does Don Juan's intimidating glance cause Castaneda to do before he approaches him again?

7. How does one find the proper place to rest, according to the lessons of Don Juan?

8. When the wind makes itself known to the men, what is the only way it seems to be able to die down?

9. How does Don Juan respond to the statement by Castaneda that he is a Yaqui Indian and he cannot deny that?

10. What is Castaneda's response to Don Juan's question about why he was lying when they first met.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout this story are various omens that are meant to show Castaneda things about himself.

Part 1: Why are omens important in this story?

Part 2: Which omen is most important to Castaneda's learning? Why?

Part 3: Why do you think the crow continues to show up for Castaneda in this book?

Essay Topic 2

Death is something which appears in many forms in this book and Don Juan does not shy away from bringing up death in their training together.

Part 1: Why is it important to acknowledge the presence of death in this story?

Part 2: What can a person do when they acknowledge their own ability to die?

Part 3: Why do you think many people are afraid to acknowledge the possibility of death?

Essay Topic 3

Don Juan is insistent that Castaneda must not want change because he doesn't seem to be changing much between their meetings.

Part 1: Why is it important to Don Juan that he see change in Castaneda?

Part 2: Do you think Castaneda really wants to change himself? Why or why not?

Part 3: Can a person avoid changing? Why or why not? Isn't change just a natural process that doesn't need to be instigated? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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