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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 Wooston want to take Russell away?

3. Why is Sean worried about Wooston?

4. Who is with Francisco in the mountains?

5. Why is the merchant at the local store startled?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What happens to Russell after he leaves the cave?

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

7. What do the voices say about Russell?

8. Why does Eileen apologize to Juan?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In most fiction, readers would like all the loose ends to be neatly "tied up." Discuss the following:

1. Do you think "The Californios" is successful as a western novel? Why or why not.

2. What about this book would motivate you to read another of Louis L'Amour's western novels? What would discourage you from doing so?

3. Were all the "loose ends" satisfactorily settled for you? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "The Californios".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of this book. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "The Californios". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

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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