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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 says that people agree on birds flying because it is ________ behavior for them.

2. What does Matus confess to not doing during Castaneda's trance?

3. Normally, says Matus, only great _________ return from such journeys as Castaneda had.

4. What does Castaneda do when he finally sees the real Matus before him?

5. What does Matus order Castaneda to do once he slumps to the floor, unable to breathe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Castaneda do when he realizes the figure walking out of the house is not his mentor?

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

3. What convinces Matus that the weed likes Castaneda?

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

5. Why must Castaneda blink many times during his recollection of being a crow?

6. What ingredient is missing from the recipe that Matus learned from his benefactor?

7. What does Matus have to say about the smoke mixture that Castaneda is preparing on his own now?

8. Where does Castaneda wake up during his last night of smoking the mixture?

9. What does Matus urge Castaneda to do before smoking again?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

In the world around them, Matus and Castaneda become aware of signs and signals that tell them whether or not they are on the right path.

Part 1: Cite three examples of signs Matus and Castaneda see in the world around them. What do they mean?

Part 2: Why do you think Matus trusts nature so much to tell him what he needs to know?

Part 3: In what ways do people today look to nature to help them make decisions about their lives?

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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