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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 concerned about Juan?

2. What does a voice declare about Russell?

3. What is the trail from Los Angeles to Malibu like?

4. Who will not take orders from a woman?

5. What does Eileen plan to tell the people in the area?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What happens that makes Russell leave the cave?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Define irony in literary terms. Discuss the irony of the situation of how Machado is on somewhat friendly terms with Sean Mulkerin by the end of the book. What other situations contain irony in "The Californios"?

2. Define symbolism in literary terms. Discuss the use and meaning of five symbols you choose to analyze from "The Californios:. What do they symbolize? Is the symbolism obvious? Effective? Does the symbolism contribute to the enjoyment of reading?

3. Discuss five literary devices that occur in "The Californios" and how they are used. Are they effective? Do they add or detract from the reading of the book? Why or why not. Some possible techniques: Allusion, connotation, denouement, dialogue, flashback, figurative language, motif, metaphor, narrator, point of view, simile, mood, and puns.

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes "The Californios" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Sean Mulkerin What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Eileen. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Zeke Wooston. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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