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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 does Eileen apologize to Juan?

2. What does Eileen realize as she is waking Juan?

3. What does Francisco try to talk the other man into doing?

4. What will help the Mulkerin family obtain another loan?

5. Who is with Francisco in the mountains?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is Los Angeles like at the time of the setting of "The Californios"?

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

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

7. What do the voices say about Russell?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels have an element of fear and suspense. Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of fear in "The Californios". Use specific examples to support your ideas. In what ways is fear felt? Who feels fearful? Why?

2. Why do you think many people enjoy getting scared? For example, some like the fear brought by spook houses at Halloween, terror movies or by reading mystery/suspense novels. Why?

3. Is anything a character is afraid of within his/her control to change? What? Why do you think the character has not addressed those issues?

4. Discuss whether or not you enjoy the experience of being scared when you know it is not "real."

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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