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