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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 does Castaneda point out, but Matus ignores as he tells Castaneda he has committed a faux pas?

2. What does Castaneda see that causes Matus to believe Datura likes him?

3. Who is surprised to see his normally unplayful dog acting playful?

4. What is the year that Matus says he was born in?

5. Who is Castaneda meant to meet face to face as a result of this test?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the name that Matus gives to his own teacher and what does it mean?

2. What is the test Matus has for Castaneda in order to determine if he dares to meet Mescalito?

3. What does Matus not like about Jimson Weed, the next plant that Castaneda and he explore together?

4. When Matus laughs at Castaneda's discomfort, what is the piece of advice he shares?

5. What is the question Castaneda asks of the lizards as he was instructed not to ask anything personal the first time?

6. Why is Matus not on his porch as usual on November 23rd, causing Castaneda to worry?

7. Why does Matus grow angry with Castaneda after his experience?

8. What area does Castaneda mark with his shoe?

9. What does Castaneda begin to experience by the sixth cycle of taking dry buttons?

10. Where are Castaneda and the six Indians driving to when he arrives at Matus' home on August 4, 1961?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Castaneda has to fight other spirits which mean him harm, we can see just how engaged he must be in his work.

Part 1: Why does Castaneda recognize the spirits he fights to be out to harm him?

Part 2: What might have happened if Castaneda did not try to fight back?

Part 3: What was the purpose of the fighting with those imitators? What does this teach Castaneda?

Essay Topic 2

In the world around them, Matus and Castaneda become aware of signs and signals that tell them whether or not they are on the right path.

Part 1: Cite three examples of signs Matus and Castaneda see in the world around them. What do they mean?

Part 2: Why do you think Matus trusts nature so much to tell him what he needs to know?

Part 3: In what ways do people today look to nature to help them make decisions about their lives?

Essay Topic 3

While Castaneda is in the role of the student in this story, he is also in the role of the researcher.

Part 1: Does Castaneda's need to collect information for his project get in the way of his work with Matus? How?

Part 2: Do you think Castaneda is biased in his work with Matus? Why or why not?

Part 3: How might Castaneda have better balanced his roles as a student and researcher in order to get more out of each role?

(see the answer keys)

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