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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. What is the final ingredient in the smoke mixture Castaneda and Matus are making?

2. The ___________ prevents Castaneda from becoming a full-fledged apprentice.

3. What is shockingly difficult to awaken to as Castaneda finds out?

4. Where does Castaneda hang his figurine after Matus is done preparing it?

5. Matus carefully repeats this phrase four times: _________ will make you see and understand things about which no human being could possibly enlighten you.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the question Castaneda asks of the lizards as he was instructed not to ask anything personal the first time?

2. Why does Matus declare all is well the next evening after Castaneda has taken the buttons?

3. What does Castaneda focus on the Indians' pre-contact use of, as illustrated by his experiences in this book?

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

5. What question does Matus initially refuse to answer, saying that it is inappropriate for ordinary conversations?

6. What area does Castaneda mark with his shoe?

7. What is the name that Matus gives to his own teacher and what does it mean?

8. Why does Carlos Castaneda want to work with Don Juan Matus?

9. Why do people keep Mescalito in a bag fastened around their arm or neck?

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

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample