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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 laughs at Sean?

2. Who is Mariana supposed to find?

3. Who tells Sean about Russell?

4. Who is with Francisco in the mountains?

5. Why might the gold not be the answer to Eileen's predicament about the ranch house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens that makes Russell leave the cave?

2. Why does Eileen apologize to Juan?

3. Why does Sean waken Mariana while they are on the trail and what does he tell her?

4. How many men does Sean observe who are after them and what is Montero doing?

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

6. What happens when Russell wakes in the night, and what does he do in the morning?

7. What do the voices say about Russell?

8. What is the situation at the ranch when Eileen and the others arrive back there?

9. What happens when Eileen goes to wake up Juan?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "The Californios" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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