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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. Why can't Carlos understand about controlled folly?

2. How did Carlos look different?

3. Why did don Elias stop talking with Carlos?

4. Why did don Juan leave the room?

5. What could a master sorcerer do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference between the first and second time Carlos smoked?

2. What was don Juan's task as a practitioner?

3. What about Castaneda's behavior did don Genaro find amusing and why?

4. How must someone approach Mescalito?

5. Why, according to don Juan, can a blind man not truly laugh?

6. Why does each chapter end on a dramatic note?

7. Why did Carlos leave his apprenticeship with don Juan?

8. What is the difference between a stranger and a practitioner?

9. Why will Carlos never believe what actually went on with don Genaro at the waterfall?

10. What differences does don Juan offer between his protectors and the ones created by the Catholic faith?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How do you feel about men of knowledge? What kind of world is open to them? How is this a dangerous endeavor and way of life? How is this way of life a difficult path to follow? In what regards is it an almost impossible path?

Essay Topic 2

Many times throughout this novel, Carlos feels as though he is going to die. Rationalize his motivation to continue on in his attempts to be a man of knowledge. How does his desire to understand what is happening interfere with this attempt to become a man of knowledge?

Essay Topic 3

Don Juan explains that the world lacks meaning to him. What would a world be like without meaning? How do you think society would function under this kind of way of life? What kinds of social system would have to be in place if the world lacked meaning or importance? Explain.

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This section contains 971 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample