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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 distraught?

2. Why does Sean become jealous?

3. What does Russell find in the cave?

4. Why do Machado's men believe there are more to Sean's group than they thought?

5. Who is the elderly man on the burro the Indian is leading?

Short Essay Questions

1. What thoughts run through Eileen's mind while she is thinking about the gold when Juan is resting?

2. What does Eileen order at the store and why?

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

4. Who are the men that Sean meets who Montero sends to help the Mulkerin family?

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

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

7. Who arrives at the party unexpectedly and how does he make Sean jealous?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the following:

1. Choose two incidences in "The Californios" and compare/contrast the way Juan's culture and the western, white culture view those incidents.

2. Write an argument/persuasion essay addressing the idea of assimilation versus a group keeping their own culture when they live within a larger culture.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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