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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does no one mess with Sapo?

2. What does Sapo frequently ask Julio to hold for him?

3. Whose death did Negra inform the police about the details of?

4. What does Blanca's Aunt Veronica change her name to?

5. What does Julio drink at Bodega's in Round 7?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Blanca tell Julio that her Aunt Veronica married?

2. Why was Julio initially attracted to Wille Bodega?

3. Why does Julio turn down Bodega's offer to work for him at first?

4. How does real estate ownership fit into Bodega's plans?

5. Why does Julio love Sapo from the first time they meet?

6. What does Julio think about general relationships between Puerto Ricans and Cubans?

7. Why does Blanca tell Julio she liked him from the beginning?

8. What painting do Bodega and Julio look at in the art museum in Part II?

9. In Part II, why has Negra stabbed her husband Victor?

10. Why does Blanca dislike Sapo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Sapo is so desperate for Julio to acknowledge their childhood and teenage memories together at the very end of the novel? Why do you think Nazario assumes Sapo will be the one to inherit Bodega's powerful perch as the neighborhood drug dealer and benefactor? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

What do you think the Santeria ritual reveals about Willie Bodega and about his feelings for Vera? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 3

When and how does Julio begin to realize why Willie Bodega has really sought him out? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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