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

2. What is Castaneda to eat along with the other men who are there?

3. Matus says he has chosen Castaneda for a long and ____________ apprenticeship.

4. What is NOT one of the plants that Matus and Castaneda use within this text?

5. The answer to #85 must be taken ____________ before one masters soaring through the air, seeing where he wishes, etc.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What will a person gain if they take Datura's second portion at least twenty times?

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

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

9. Why does Carlos Castaneda want to work with Don Juan Matus?

10. After a year of sidestepping questions from Castaneda about Peyote, what does Matus account?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between Matus and Castaneda is the guiding force in the story, each helping the other learn and grow in their understanding of themselves.

Part 1: Describe the relationship between Matus and Castaneda at the beginning of this book, before their work together begins.

Part 2: Compare and contrast the relationship between Matus and Castaneda from the beginning of the book to the end of the book. What changes?

Part 3: Why do you think Matus took Castaneda on as a student? What reasons might he have had outside of what he shared?

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

There is a lot of ritual and ceremony in this book, often to encourage the spirits of the plants to work with Castaneda or with Matus.

Part 1: Define the idea of ritual and of ceremony as it is seen in this book.

Part 2: Why is it important that the men attach a ritual or a ceremony to the work they do?

Part 3: What might happen without the addition of ritual or of ceremony? Does it not matter if these aspects are included or not?

(see the answer keys)

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