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JASON XV: Rainforests at the Crossroads

Novels

The El Dorado Adventure
by: Lloyd Alexander
ISBN: 0141304634


 

Teacher Note: Efforts have been made to bring awareness to various aspects of the novel that might need special attention. However, it is possible that some aspects might have been missed. We always encourage you to read the entire novel before reading it with your students or assigning it to them. Please be aware of the following topics based on your county's policies.

Topics from the novel to use and possible extension activities . . .  

  • Book review
  • Other books by Lloyd Alexander
  • The World of Lloyd Alexander website
  • Lloyd Alexander Information
  • Early on, we are told that Vesper has inherited "a volcano" from her father. How would you react to learning that you had inherited a volcano? Write a letter to a friend sharing your news.
  • Vesper tells Brinnie that she has learned a little about her inherited land using a surveyor's map. Find out more about surveyor's maps.
  • While El Dorado is a fictitious place, many people think it may represent a Central American country. Do you agree? If so, which country is it similar to?
  • Based on the given written descriptions throughout the novel (not the map on page 2), draw and label your version of the area Vesper has inherited.
  • We are told that Vesper's father Dr. Benjamin Rittenhouse Holly was a very unorganized man, not at all concerned with humdrum details. Why is a lack of organization a downfall in life?
  • If your father (or another relative) left you land accumulated by "luck" and then you received a FAX (telegram) similar to the one Vesper received stating "Urgent...sail to Puerto Palmas ... El Dorado estate ...immediate attention. Passage on City of Brotherly Love paid in advance." What would you do?
  • The Rio Culebra plays a very important part in this novel. Learn more about it.
  • Learn about side-wheel steamers.
  • At the end of Chapter 1, Vesper announces that the fare paid for their voyage includes "one-way tickets". How would you react to this?
  • At the end of the story, do you think there is irony in the title of the ship that takes Vesper and Brinnie on this adventure (City of Brotherly Love)? Explain.
  • Do you think the custom of an afternoon siesta is a good idea? Learn more about siestas.
  • Chirica Indian information.
  • Vesper uses a metaphor to refer to Adelita the parrot as a "Tower of Babel". What does this mean?
  • Learn more about canals. What are the benefits of building canals?
  • In Chapter 4, we learn that Vesper has taken a special interest in the Chiricas. Why do you think she is so concerned and interested with this Indian tribe?
  • Research the clothing and fashion of the time and place of the novel. (Vesper wearing "trousers", de Rochefort's attire as described early on in chapter 5.)
  • de Rochefort offers to show  Vesper and Brinnie the work site via a carriage and train journey. Would you have accompanied de Rochefort on this adventure? If this trip were offered to you today (year 2003 or 2004) would you be more or less willing to go?
  • Predict what happens next after reading the end of chapter 5. Write a journal entry from Brinnie or Vesper's perspective about being locked in the train car.
  • Research optical tricks created by hot climates.
  • Research the various animals of the Culebra: mosquitoes, spiders, alligators, tigres, and anacondas, to name a few.
  • In a journal, react to Acharro's statement: we make certain assumptions and form opinions in advance, based on previous experiences and what you consider to be logical. Error is quite understandable. It is, however, not excusable.
  • At the end of chapter 11, Vesper stands up to and challenges Acharro. Does this surprise you for a female?
  • At the end of chapter 12, what do you think of Vesper's idea to make a volcano erupt? How can she "make" a volcano erupt?
  • What do you think of Vesper's "eruption" plan. Do you think it will be believable?
  • Vesper is well educated in music, literature, history, etc. Is this unusual for people in today's society?
  • In Chapter 17, Vesper has an idea to get out of the old mansion by using noise to create the guard's imagination of escape. What do you think of this plan?
  • Look back at how the role of Chirican women changed throughout the novel. Does this parallel the role of women in America over time? Where do you think a woman's place is?