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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. Who does Juan say are new tribes?

2. Towards what does Juan lead the party?

3. Who decides to go looking for Juan?

4. Who is the owner of a local cantina who is riding with Wooston?

5. When do those searching for Juan make camp?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Juan say to Sean, Montero, Eileen and Mariana when they arrive at his home?

2. What does Silva believe about the area and how do most of the others react to his beliefs?

3. Where do Eileen and Juan go and what do they talk about as they travel?

4. What does Juan say about men following them and what is Sean's response?

5. What can be seen from the Mulkerin front porch?

6. Why does Juan not think there is a reason to share much about his people and their history?

7. Describe the Mulkerin ranch house.

8. Why do Juan and the others leave camp in the middle of the night?

9. What is the situation at the Mulkerin ranch, and what does Eileen think needs to be done about it?

10. Where do Sean, Monero, Eileen and Mariana go and why does Michael stay behind?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Californios" belongs to the western novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the fictional memoir genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think are the differences between western fiction and a southern fiction?

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "The Californios" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Sean Mulkerin What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Eileen. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Zeke Wooston. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "The Californios" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "The Californios"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "The Californios" to discuss and compare a characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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