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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 the other name Matus uses for 'teacher' in the story?

2. How has Castaneda has kept track of his experiences with Matus?

3. What is Castaneda studying at the University of California, Los Angeles?

4. What is the year that Matus says he was born in?

5. Whose house do the group of Indians and Castaneda go to in the dingy white truck?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Matus not like about Jimson Weed, the next plant that Castaneda and he explore together?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Castaneda has to fight other spirits which mean him harm, we can see just how engaged he must be in his work.

Part 1: Why does Castaneda recognize the spirits he fights to be out to harm him?

Part 2: What might have happened if Castaneda did not try to fight back?

Part 3: What was the purpose of the fighting with those imitators? What does this teach Castaneda?

Essay Topic 2

To some, the actions in this story might seem to be based on superstition instead of on actual fact and truth.

Part 1: List at least three actions taken in this story that seem to be based on superstition.

Part 2: Do you think the warnings that go along with these actions are based on truth? Would something bad happen if the warnings were not heeded? Why or why not?

Part 3: Explain the reasons for using such warnings with a student in this plant medicine.

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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