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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 does Eileen encounter in the local store?

2. Why does Sean become jealous?

3. What sounds are coming from the hills?

4. Who tells Sean about Russell?

5. Who laughs at Sean?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Eileen apologize to Juan?

5. What is Russell's appearance and explanation when he arrives at the fandango?

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

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

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

9. What happens that makes Russell leave the cave?

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

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 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.

Essay Topic 3

"The Californios" belongs to the western novel genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the fictional memoir genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think are the differences between western fiction and a southern fiction?

(see the answer keys)

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