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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 think Matus is doing to him after the test?

2. Visions must be ___________ to rather than viewed, says Matus laughing at Castaneda's experience.

3. What happens to the answer in #45 as it drinks?

4. How many Indians are sitting on the porch when Castaneda arrives to meet with Matus?

5. Who does Castaneda see carrying a large knapsack?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Once someone knows Mescalito well, what does 'he' appear as?

4. What are the four 'heads' of Jimson Weed, or Devil's Weed?

5. Two years after accepting an apprentice, what does Matus prepare to do with Castaneda?

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

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

8. What area does Castaneda mark with his shoe?

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

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

The idea of having good intentions is something that factors into each session Matus and Castaneda share.

Part 1: Compare the intentions for Matus and Castaneda for at least two sessions they share.

Part 2: Why is it important to have a strong intention for the work the two men are sharing?

Part 3: What do you think might have happened if Castaneda did not have a strong intention for the work he does?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The knowledge Castaneda gains is certainly stunning when one looks at the final summary of Castaneda's experiences.

Part 1: What are three of the points Castaneda makes in the final section of the book?

Part 2: Does this knowledge come from the plants directly or from Castaneda's subconscious? Why do you answer the way you do?

Part 3: Do you think Castaneda would have learned more if he has studied with Matus more frequently? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 635 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample