View a FREE sample

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 order Castaneda to do once he slumps to the floor, unable to breathe?

3. What does Castaneda circle in order to determine its position?

4. What must like Castaneda very much because of where Castaneda placed the paste?

5. What would have happened to Castaneda had he moved from his beneficial spot on the porch?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Castaneda recall after already spending 90 minutes looking for lizards?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Why does Matus believe the Devil's Weed must like Castaneda very much?

8. Describe the details of Castaneda's final encounter with Mescalito.

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

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 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

The lessons Castaneda learns during this story are many, both from the medicines he takes and the discussions with Matus.

Part 1: List at least three lessons Castaneda has learned from his work with Matus.

Part 2: How has Castaneda changed as a person since beginning the work with Matus?

Part 3: Do you think Castaneda is forever changed by his experiences? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 675 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample