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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. When was Rafael Toro born?

2. What does Alma claim attracted her initially to Arturo?

3. What was the name of Quisqueya Solis's stepbrother who raped her?

4. How old was Rafael when his father died?

5. When did Gustavo Milhojas arrive in the United States?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Alma Rivera? What role does she play in the novel?

2. Describe Maribel Rivera. How old is she? What is her demeanor like when she is introduced?

3. Where is the novel principally set? How is the setting described?

4. From what narrative perspective is the novel related? Why is this significant?

5. What are Mayor's circumstances in the opening of the novel?

6. What encounter does Alma witness between Maribel and Garrett? How does she respond?

7. How does Celia help Alma and the Riveras to acclimate to their new life?

8. What family history of Garrett's is related through Mayor's narrative?

9. Where is Rafael Toro from? When did he come to the U.S.? Why?

10. Who is Benny Quinto? Where is he from? What brought him to America?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of racial and ethnic prejudice in The Book of Unknown Americans. What are some specific examples of racism or prejudice that are faced by the main characters? How is this theme reflected in setting? What symbolism relates to this theme?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of the American Dream in The Book of Unknown Americans. What characters are motivated by the American Dream? How do these characters seek out the American Dream? Do they succeed?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the plot structure of The Book of Unknown Americans. Where in the narrative does the rising action begin? Where is the climax? What tone is demonstrated in the falling action and denouement of the story?

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This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample