- 1. Great River by Paul Horgan is a sweeping historical narrative that captures the essence of the American Southwest, particularly the Rio Grande River, which serves as a central motif throughout the book. Horgan intricately weaves together the rich tapestry of the region's history, culture, and natural beauty, exploring the interactions between Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, and American settlers. He delves into the geological and environmental aspects of the river, portraying it not just as a physical boundary, but as a lifeblood that nourishes the lands and communities along its banks. Through a vivid and lyrical prose style, Horgan invites readers to reflect on the importance of the Rio Grande in shaping the identities and histories of the people who inhabit its valley. The narrative is an evocative blend of personal observation, historical events, and philosophical musings, making Great River a compelling exploration of place, memory, and the enduring spirit of the American frontier.
Which river is the central subject of Horgan's 'Great River'?
A) Rio Grande
B) Mississippi River
C) Amazon River
D) Nile River
- 2. For which work did Paul Horgan win the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1955?
A) Great River: The Rio Grande in North American History
B) The Rio Grande Valley
C) The Conquest of Mexico
D) Rivers of the Southwest
- 3. How many volumes was 'Great River' originally published in?
A) One
B) Four
C) Three
D) Two
- 4. What European explorer does Horgan credit with early Rio Grande exploration?
A) Christopher Columbus
B) Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
C) Hernán Cortés
D) Francisco Pizarro
- 5. What major conflict between the US and Mexico does Horgan detail?
A) Mexican-American War
B) World War I
C) Texas Revolution only
D) Spanish-American War
- 6. How does Horgan characterize the relationship between the river and human settlement?
A) As a life source shaping civilizations
B) As a barrier to development
C) As an insignificant geographical feature
D) As primarily a recreational resource
- 7. What literary award did Horgan win twice for his historical works?
A) Pulitzer Prize
B) National Book Award
C) Man Booker Prize
D) Nobel Prize in Literature
- 8. What does Horgan emphasize about the Rio Grande's role in border formation?
A) It prevented all settlement
B) It was irrelevant to borders
C) It separated states but not countries
D) It became an international boundary
- 9. How does Horgan approach the topic of cultural conflict in the region?
A) As purely economic competition
B) As a complex interaction between cultures
C) As simple good versus evil
D) As entirely religious conflict
- 10. Which historical figure does Horgan discuss regarding early Spanish colonization?
A) Miguel Hidalgo
B) Francisco Vázquez de Coronado
C) Juan de Oñate
D) Bartolomé de las Casas
- 11. What does Horgan suggest about the river's influence on agriculture?
A) It prevented agricultural development
B) It enabled irrigation farming
C) It was only used for transportation
D) It supported only nomadic herding
- 12. What enduring theme does Horgan find in the Rio Grande's history?
A) Cultural adaptation and conflict
B) Environmental stability
C) Political unity
D) Technological stagnation
- 13. What genre is 'Great River: The Rio Grande in North American History' by Paul Horgan primarily classified as?
A) Historical narrative
B) Romance novel
C) Science fiction
D) Poetry collection
- 14. What year did Paul Horgan win the Pulitzer Prize for 'Great River'?
A) 1955
B) 1945
C) 1950
D) 1965
- 15. Which border city features prominently in Horgan's narrative?
A) El Paso
B) San Diego
C) Denver
D) Phoenix
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