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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. Who has stolen Castaneda's soul?

2. Castaneda is profoundly distressed for hours, a common occurrence among those who lack _____________.

3. Matus says that since _______ tests Castaneda all the time, it is only fair to test her again too.

4. What kind of animal has Castaneda's head turned into?

5. What happens if the muted lizard does not return to Castaneda?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Matus laugh at Castaneda as he tries to meet with his ally again?

2. Why must the mixture previously collected and entrusted to Castaneda be used as soon as possible?

3. What happens as Castaneda sings his song to Mescalito during the peyote ceremony?

4. Describe what happens to Castaneda on the first night of his peyote ceremony.

5. What does Matus diagnose as Castaneda continues to feel shallow states of non-ordinary reality?

6. Why doesn't Matus need to smoke much anymore, though he still makes a new mixture each year?

7. When he is called with "Hey boy!" why doesn't Castaneda come into Matus' house?

8. What are some things Matus tells Castaneda he can do to get his soul back?

9. What does Castaneda hide from after he consumes one more button after talking with Mescalito?

10. What does Matus tell Castaneda the next day after Castaneda has fallen asleep during the smoking?

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

At many points of the story, Matus does not give Castaneda answers to his questions, leading to confusion and often frustration in Castaneda.

Part 1: List at least two questions that Castaneda asks of Matus but does not get an answer for.

Part 2: Why do you think Matus chooses not to answer some of Castaneda's questions, but does choose to answer others?

Part 3: Do you think Castaneda would learn more if Matus told him everything up front? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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