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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. ___________ is used to acquire wisdom and to learn how to live right.

2. What has happened to Matus that has caused him to not be on his porch one day?

3. What does Matus describe as 'gentle, like a baby?'

4. The opinions of those willing to talk about Mescalito are worth ________, according to Matus.

5. What does Castaneda promise to do during the lizard rituals?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are the differences between the male and the female Jimson Weed plants?

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

5. What area does Castaneda mark with his shoe?

6. Which spot is the spot that Castaneda feels most comfortable and happy?

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

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

9. What happens when Castaneda's guide and helper arranges a meeting between Castaneda and Matus?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The sewing of the lizards is a harsh scene in the book.

Part 1: Describe the sewing of the lizards and why this is done in the story.

Part 2: Wouldn't this harming of the animals be hurting nature and somehow not being grateful to it? Isn't this in direct opposition to the way Matus treats the rest of the gifts of nature?

Part 3: What was your reaction to the images of the lizards? Did you believe this to actually have happened?

Essay Topic 2

The lessons Castaneda learns during this story are many, both from the medicines he takes and the discussions with Matus.

Part 1: List at least three lessons Castaneda has learned from his work with Matus.

Part 2: How has Castaneda changed as a person since beginning the work with Matus?

Part 3: Do you think Castaneda is forever changed by his experiences? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

One of the things many readers question about the book Castaneda writes is its validity. After all, the reader is not there to see whether these events actually took place.

Part 1: Cite some details in the story that might make a reader question the truthfulness of this story.

Part 2: Cite some details in the story that might make a reader more convinced the events actually took place.

Part 3: Does it matter if the events in the story actually happened? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 665 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample