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

2. What is the only way for Eileen to accomplish her goal?

3. Who is Jaime?

4. Who does Juan say are new tribes?

5. What does Eileen feel as she suddenly wakens?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe a couple of the men who are with Wooston when he comes to tell Eileen of Wooston's intentions to evict the Mulkerin family.

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

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

5. How does Sean come to be a sailor?

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

7. How is Mariana received at the Mulkerin home?

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

9. What does Silva believe about the area and how do most of the others react to his beliefs?

10. How does Eileen's family end up in Spain and then how does Eileen end up in Mexico?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "The Californios" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "The Californios" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

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