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