- 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) Nile River
B) Amazon River
C) Mississippi River
D) Rio Grande
- 2. For which work did Paul Horgan win the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1955?
A) The Conquest of Mexico
B) Rivers of the Southwest
C) Great River: The Rio Grande in North American History
D) The Rio Grande Valley
- 3. How many volumes was 'Great River' originally published in?
A) Four
B) Three
C) Two
D) One
- 4. What European explorer does Horgan credit with early Rio Grande exploration?
A) Hernán Cortés
B) Francisco Pizarro
C) Christopher Columbus
D) Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
- 5. What major conflict between the US and Mexico does Horgan detail?
A) Texas Revolution only
B) Spanish-American War
C) World War I
D) Mexican-American War
- 6. How does Horgan characterize the relationship between the river and human settlement?
A) As a barrier to development
B) As primarily a recreational resource
C) As a life source shaping civilizations
D) As an insignificant geographical feature
- 7. What literary award did Horgan win twice for his historical works?
A) Man Booker Prize
B) Pulitzer Prize
C) Nobel Prize in Literature
D) National Book Award
- 8. What does Horgan emphasize about the Rio Grande's role in border formation?
A) It prevented all settlement
B) It separated states but not countries
C) It became an international boundary
D) It was irrelevant to borders
- 9. How does Horgan approach the topic of cultural conflict in the region?
A) As entirely religious conflict
B) As purely economic competition
C) As simple good versus evil
D) As a complex interaction between cultures
- 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 enabled irrigation farming
B) It was only used for transportation
C) It supported only nomadic herding
D) It prevented agricultural development
- 12. What enduring theme does Horgan find in the Rio Grande's history?
A) Technological stagnation
B) Political unity
C) Cultural adaptation and conflict
D) Environmental stability
- 13. What genre is 'Great River: The Rio Grande in North American History' by Paul Horgan primarily classified as?
A) Romance novel
B) Poetry collection
C) Science fiction
D) Historical narrative
- 14. What year did Paul Horgan win the Pulitzer Prize for 'Great River'?
A) 1955
B) 1965
C) 1950
D) 1945
- 15. Which border city features prominently in Horgan's narrative?
A) Phoenix
B) El Paso
C) San Diego
D) Denver
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