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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 is the owner of a local cantina who is riding with Wooston?

2. Who does Machado say he will take pleasure in killing?

3. What is the source of the Mikerin family's spiritual courage?

4. How many more days are there to the trip?

5. What does Montero say about the idea of finding gold in the hills?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Juan tell Eileen about his people?

2. Why is the Mulkerin family's hope in Sean Mulkerin?

3. What is the situation at the Mulkerin ranch, and what does Eileen think needs to be done about it?

4. Describe the Mulkerin ranch house.

5. Where do Sean, Monero, Eileen and Mariana go and why does Michael stay behind?

6. Who is Zeke Wooston?

7. Why does Juan not think there is a reason to share much about his people and their history?

8. Where do Eileen and Juan go and what do they talk about as they travel?

9. What does Juan say about men following them and what is Sean's response?

10. Describe the Mulkerin's discussion about gold after Sean arrives home.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "The Californios", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (xposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements of "The Californios". (They may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? 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

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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