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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. To whom did Jaime direct Juan to tell a secret?

2. How many more days are there to the trip?

3. What does Eileen say about Mariana?

4. Where is Eileen raised?

5. How old is Juan?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Juan tell Eileen about his people?

2. Where is Eileen raised and how does she come to be in California?

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

4. How does Jaime Mulkerin come to own the ranch, and where is Jaime now?

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

6. Describe the Mulkerin's discussion about gold after Sean arrives home.

7. Why is the Mulkerin family's hope in Sean Mulkerin?

8. How does Eileen's family end up in Spain and then how does Eileen end up in Mexico?

9. Describe the Mulkerin ranch house.

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

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

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of themes that run as a thread throughout "The Californios". Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Trace the development of the theme of superstition. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of how the idea of superstition informs the entire novel.

2. Trace the development of the theme of greed. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of how greed seems to be more a part of the predominant culture of the United States versus that of native cultures.

3. Trace the development of the theme of violence. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis as to why this theme is central to the novel's plot.

(see the answer keys)

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