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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. Where is Cesar sitting as the story switches perspective?

2. Who greets the Mambo Kings at the Mambo Nine Club?

3. With whom is Nestor standing in all their youthful prowess?

4. How many times does Nestor "Beautiful Maria of My Soul?"

5. What does Delores's father do every night?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the Castillo brother handle the fame and fortune acquired from being on the "I Love Lucy" show?

2. What happens to Cesar's club?

3. What does Eugenio think about Desi Arnaz's home?

4. About what does Cesar dream?

5. How is Nestor killed?

6. Does Cesar play anymore? If so, where?

7. Why does Cesar not ask for help with his depression?

8. How does the novel end?

9. Why does Cesar remain in New York City?

10. How is Cesar in his old age?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Maria is Nestor's lost love.

Part 1) How does he lose her?

Part 2) What does he do to remember and honor her?

Part 3) How does he try to forget her? Is he successful? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Nestor is killed at the age of thirty.

Part 1) How is he killed?

Part 2) Is it an accident or a suicide? Use information from the text to support your answer.

Part 3) How does his death affect those that are close to him?

Essay Topic 3

Nestor and Cesar's cousin, Pedro, warns them that the only way to happiness is through family.

Part 1) Why does he give them this warning?

Part 2) Do they heed this warning? Why or why not?

Part 3) How does this warning affect Cesar later in life?

(see the answer keys)

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