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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 is Eileen concerned about Juan?

2. Why does Eileen apologize to Juan?

3. What shocks the others when Eileen returns to them?

4. What city is described as a pueblo with a few adobes, a church a few stores and cantinas?

5. Why does Wooston want to take Russell away?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Russell and Francisco doing in the mountains, and why does Francisco anger Russell?

2. Why is Eileen distraught when she and Juan get to the gold?

3. Why does Eileen apologize to Juan?

4. Who are the men that Sean meets who Montero sends to help the Mulkerin family?

5. Who does Eileen meet at the store, and what is his reaction to her story about the gold?

6. What does Silva tell Wooston that angers Wooston, and what concerns Machado and Russell?

7. What does Eileen decide in order to "buy" time?

8. Why does Francisco try to convince Russell of and what is Russell's response?

9. What does Sean say to Wooston and Machado and what are their responses?

10. What noises do Wooston's men hear and why do they decide to wait until morning to confront Sean's group?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes a book more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Louis L'Amour.

2. What in Louis L'Amour's background may have helped him in writing "The Californios"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Californios", questions that most readers may want to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the L'Amour's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss L'Amours' probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of L'Amour and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 3

1. What is foreshadowing? How many incidences of foreshadow are in "The Californios"? How does foreshadowing contribute to a book's suspense?

2. Discuss an example of foreshadowing in "The Californios" and include why you believe it is an example of foreshadowing. Include specific examples from the book.

3. How do you think most people react to uncertainty in their lives? Use examples from "The Californios" and your own live to support your opinion.

(see the answer keys)

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