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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. What was Celia studying to be at university when she met Rafael?

2. How much money does Arturo spend at the gas station for food when his family first arrives in Delaware?

3. What did Fernando Ramos tell the teacher to call him when he came to Mayor's school in freshman year?

4. What color does Alma describe all of the walls of her family's apartment as being painted when they first move in?

5. Where did Quisqueya Solis go to live after leaving California?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where have the Riveras come from? Why have they come to the U.S.?

2. How and why does Celia's relationship with Quisqueya change?

3. Why does Alma blame herself for the accident that injured Maribel?

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

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

6. How is the theme of migration explored in the novel?

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

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

9. How does Alma compare her life in Mexico to her life in the U.S.?

10. How is the relationship between Enrique and Rafael different from Rafael's relationship with Mayor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Micho Alvarez? To what is he referring when he states the titular line of the novel? How is Micho different from the other main characters? What role does he play in the novel's plot?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Rafael's back-story and his current circumstances in the novel. Where is Rafael from? What brought him to the U.S.? How would you describe his relationship with his wife an sons?

Essay Topic 3

Why are Mayor and Maribel forbidden from seeing one another? Do you think that this punishment was justified? Why or why not? What are the repercussions of this action?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 803 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample