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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. Matus announces that he has _________ in order to find out Castaneda's intentions.

2. Matus grows angry when Castaneda can not realize the dog is really ________.

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

4. What is the name of the spot that makes Castaneda feel frightened?

5. What is for those who 'watch and see?'

Short Essay Questions

1. Though Castaneda and Matus are not able to work together all the time, what does this provide to Castaneda?

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

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

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

5. What does Castaneda do with the dog he sees while he is taking the mescalitos?

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

7. What does Castaneda focus on the Indians' pre-contact use of, as illustrated by his experiences in this book?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of the 'man of knowledge' is one that Matus and Castaneda often repeat during this book's pages.

Part 1: Who or what is the 'man of knowledge?'

Part 2: Why is this 'man of knowledge' so important in the book?

Part 3: Is Castaneda striving to become a man of knowledge? Why or why not? Is Matus already a man of knowledge? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

The role of Matus in the story is part teacher, part benefactor, and part mystery. He knows much and teaches much, but says little and explains even less.

Part 1: Describe the character of Matus and what makes him a good teacher and medicine man, in your opinion.

Part 2: Why does Matus teach others the secrets he has learned from his benefactor?

Part 3: What do you think Matus gains from teaching others in this story?

(see the answer keys)

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