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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. Don Juan admits he has seen his own death watching him and has danced to it as though he was __________.

2. When Don Juan and Castaneda are together again, Castaneda inquires as to whether death is a ____________.

3. What does Don Genaro do with the string and his hat which amazes Castaneda?

4. Where does Don Juan go as the men are talking to each other around the gathering place?

5. Each person is born with a _________ of power and each is linked to everyone else's.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Don Juan say when Castaneda asks him how old he is, as he sees him moving with agility?

2. What does Don Juan tell Castaneda about his feelings of remorse about his own life?

3. What does Don Juan give to Castaneda to wear around his neck?

4. What is the lesson that Castaneda learns from the beetle that comes out a hole inches from his face?

5. Why is Castaneda left on the mountain as the other two men walk away into the distance?

6. What does a warrior have to do when he is out on the hunt?

7. What is the yellow formation that Castaneda sees, making him feel slightly ill in the process?

8. What costume does Castaneda see Don Juan as wearing when he and the other men are sitting around the fire?

9. Why does Don Juan warn Castaneda not to turn around as they leave the Indians they have met?

10. What does Don Genero use to make a kite, confusing Castaneda's perception of how a kite should work?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Between Don Juan and Castaneda is a trust that seems to allow their work to be successful, even when it doesn't appear to do anything.

Part 1: Why do you think Castaneda trusts Don Juan during these lessons?

Part 2: What might happen if Castaneda didn't trust Don Juan or vice versa?

Part 3: Why is trust so important to have between these two men as they work together?

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

The disappearing car is certainly something that takes Castaneda by surprise and it seems to signal a new chapter in his growth.

Part 1: Why do you think the car's disappearance is important to Castaneda's learning?

Part 2: Do you think the car really disappeared? Why or why not?

Part 3: What do you think the lesson of the disappearing car might have been?

(see the answer keys)

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