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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. Mescalito is not a _______ to be used for personal reasons.

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

3. The answer to #85 must be taken ____________ before one masters soaring through the air, seeing where he wishes, etc.

4. Visions must be ___________ to rather than viewed, says Matus laughing at Castaneda's experience.

5. What is repulsing and frightening to him in one of the places he has marked?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Castaneda's guide and helper arranges a meeting between Castaneda and Matus?

2. What are the four 'heads' of Jimson Weed, or Devil's Weed?

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

4. Though Castaneda and Matus are not able to work together all the time, what does this provide to Castaneda?

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

6. Why does Matus grow angry with Castaneda after his experience?

7. What is the test Matus has for Castaneda in order to determine if he dares to meet Mescalito?

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

9. What will a person gain if they take Datura's second portion at least twenty times?

10. After a year of sidestepping questions from Castaneda about Peyote, what does Matus account?

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

While Castaneda is in the role of the student in this story, he is also in the role of the researcher.

Part 1: Does Castaneda's need to collect information for his project get in the way of his work with Matus? How?

Part 2: Do you think Castaneda is biased in his work with Matus? Why or why not?

Part 3: How might Castaneda have better balanced his roles as a student and researcher in order to get more out of each role?

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)

This section contains 660 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample