Part 2 Summary and Analysis

Part 2 consists of a four-unit structural analysis based on the data narrated in Part 1. It aims at disclosing the "meaningful concepts" learned during Castaneda's apprenticeship in a way clear to Western minds. Matus lays such early emphasis on making his apprentice a "man of knowledge" that the author treats this as the "operative order". He examines seven components or themes that run throughout the teachings, whose intent is to show him how to behave throughout his "long and hazardous training." Castaneda hypothesizes that, because of his own training and experience, Matus sees the "man of knowledge" as a diablero (black sorcerer), without using the terms interchangeably.

Becoming a man of knowledge requires resolute effort; for it is the end of a process rather than a supernatural act of grace. Anyone can attempt it; but teachers select apprentices based on informal, covert...