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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 NOT one of the plants that Matus and Castaneda use within this text?

2. What kind of plants do Matus and Castaneda begin to father in the canyons?

3. Breaking or losing a pipe will mean ___________ for the person who causes harm.

4. What is the other name given to a person who is considered to be a medicine man?

5. Matus says he now knows that Castaneda has the __________ to meet challenges.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Castaneda know more about Mescalito than Matus does?

2. Why do people keep Mescalito in a bag fastened around their arm or neck?

3. What question does Matus initially refuse to answer, saying that it is inappropriate for ordinary conversations?

4. What has Matus decided Castaneda is ready to endure?

5. What does Matus claim is proof that the Jimson Weed likes Castaneda?

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

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

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

9. What is the advice Matus gives to Castaneda as he is being tested to see if he is worthy of Mescalito?

10. Why does Matus declare all is well the next evening after Castaneda has taken the buttons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sometimes the experiences Castaneda has during this story are seemingly times when he goes mad or loses control of his senses.

Part 1: Describe the scene in which Castaneda is playing with the black dog.

Part 2: Do you think this black dog is real? Why or why not?

Part 3: What are some other explanations for the presence of the black dog in this scene?

Essay Topic 2

At many points of the story, Matus does not give Castaneda answers to his questions, leading to confusion and often frustration in Castaneda.

Part 1: List at least two questions that Castaneda asks of Matus but does not get an answer for.

Part 2: Why do you think Matus chooses not to answer some of Castaneda's questions, but does choose to answer others?

Part 3: Do you think Castaneda would learn more if Matus told him everything up front? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are three main guides that seem to help Castaneda during the course of the story such as protectors, benefactors, and allies.

Part 1: Define each of the following terms: protectors, benefactors, and allies.

Part 2: What do each of these guides have to teach to Castaneda?

Part 3: Which of the guides do you think would help you the most? Why did you choose the guide you did?

(see the answer keys)

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