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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 did Nelia Zafon produce the play The Brown Bag Affair at The Parish Theater?

2. What is Micho Alvarez's profession?

3. On what date is Alma and Arturo's wedding anniversary?

4. Who does Arturo call when he arrives home and Maribel is missing?

5. For how long did Nelia Zafon live with Josie in her apartment?

Short Essay Questions

1. What causes the strife between Mayor and William?

2. What do the tenants of the Redwood Apartments do when the electricity goes off on Christmas?

3. Why does Rafael lose his job? What problems does this present?

4. What is the significance of the song "Feliz Navidad" in the novel?

5. What is illustrated through the communication of Enrique and Mayor when Enrique visits for Christmas?

6. What does Mayor do when the first snow comes in March?

7. How is the setting of Clay Creek Park described? Why do the Toros and Riveras go there?

8. What leads to the fight between Mayor and Garrett? How does the fight end?

9. How does Gloria come into a sum of money? How much is it? What does she do with it?

10. How does Rafael drive on the way home from the car lot? Why does he drive this way?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of romantic love in The Book of Unknown Americans. How is this theme illustrated through Alma and Arturo? How is it illustrated through the Toro family? How does the author explore this theme through Mayor and Maribel?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the narrative style employed in The Book of Unknown Americans. How does the narrative style differ from chapter to chapter? What are the benefits of this style of narration? What limitations might it have?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Maribel Rivera. Where is Maribel from? How old is she? What caused the injury that caused Maribel to have brain damage? What are the extents of Maribel's struggles to overcome her injury?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 813 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample