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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 is the best definition for the Hawaiian word "kahuna?"

2. How does Dan respond when he realizes his predicament?

3. What does Ruth tell Dan to do in her note?

4. What does the author do for a job right after graduation?

5. What does the basic self become?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the phrase that Ruth uses that catches Dan's attention and how would you characterize their encounter?

3. How does Dan decide to commence his search for the woman of whom Socrates had once told Dan, and do you think that is a logical solution?

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

5. What is Dan's ultimate conclusion about his time in India?

6. Dan tries to stay awake and conscious because he's afraid of what might happen if he falls asleep. Do you think this is symbolic of anything?

7. What is the island of Molokai and why is it appropriate that Dan wash up on its shore?

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

9. Why do you think Mama Chia resumes her work as midwife and kahuna after receiving a letter from Socrates about Dan?

10. How does Dan feel about his personal connection to India?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Once Dan has found Ruth Johnson, she gives him a note with some instructions. Discuss the following:

Do you think Dan is wise to blindly follow the note which has him do something that is quite foolhardy?

Given that Dan later learns that he lost part of the note and he was supposed to take food, water and sunscreen, do you think if he had had the complete set of instructions from the beginning he would have been justified in following the path he chooses?

There is a aphorism, "no pain, no gain." Does this saying apply in Dan's experience with the surfboard?

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

When Dan admits to Mama Chia that he is drained and depressed, she says that he is on the right track. Discuss one of the following:

How do you think something like depression or fatigue can mean one is on the right track in a search for spiritual enlightenment? Discuss fully with examples from the text and personal experience.

If Dan is on the right track as he is feeling drained and depressed, what do you think Mama Chia's response would be at this point in the book if Dan said he is elated and optimistic? Explain fully.

What can states of being such as depression teach someone? Elaborate fully.

(see the answer keys)

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