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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. With what has Mama Chia put Dan in touch?

2. What does Mama Chia see as hidden gifts?

3. What is one overwhelming impression Millman has of India?

4. What does Mama Chia say about the energies?

5. What does Mama Chia say she did nine years ago?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mama Chia interpret Dan's bad dream?

2. What does Dan say about death and how do you think he will overcome his feelings about it?

3. How has Mama Chia been healing Dan and what do you think of her method?

4. Why do you think Sachi asks her little brother to tell her about God?

5. What does Dan realize he must do at this time in his life?

6. For what is Dan searching in India and why does he choose India?

7. How does Ruth respond to Dan's appearance at the party and what do you think this foreshadows?

8. What do you think about what Mama Chia says about suffering?

9. Chapter four opens with what quote and what do you think it means?

10. What does Mama Chia tell Dan after waking him from sleeping for 36 hours, and what do you think she means?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As Mama Chia and Dan are hiking, Mama Chia declares that Dan is strong enough to carry her backpack and sets off. Dan laments, knowing that he is supposed to do something but does nothing. Discuss one of the following:

Analyze what you think Dan is supposed to do and why he seems paralyzed in inaction.

How does Dan finally overcome his inability to do what he is supposed to do?

Do you feel there is something important in your life that you are to do? Discuss your approach to fulfilling that sense of purpose.

Essay Topic 2

Dan encounters "Beer Belly" (Kimo) and they become friends. Discuss the following:

What are the ways Dan makes it possible for the encounter with Kimo to turn out in a positive way?

What might Dan have done that could have made the encounter conclude with a less-than-desirable end?

What do you think Dan learns from Kimo?

What do you think Kimo learns from Dan?

Essay Topic 3

Dan writes that every day one must choose to master the energy of life or squander it. Discuss the following:

What do you think Dan means by the above statement? Give examples from the text and your own life if applicable.

Analyze and discuss several times in the text when you think Dan squanders the energy of life.

Analyze and discuss several times in the text when you think Dan masters the energy of life.

(see the answer keys)

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