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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 does Blanca notice that is very unusual about the new building she and Julio have moved into that belongs to Bodega?

2. Which teacher really looked out for Julio and his friends in junior high school?

3. Who is Roberto's older brother?

4. Who is the so-called "Fish of Loisaida"?

5. Which bridge do Julio and Nazario take to Queens?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sapo bite Mr. Blessington in high school?

2. Why does Blanca want to try to get Claudia and Roberto Vega together?

3. Why is Blanca suspicious of the new apartment Julio moves them into?

4. Why does Bodega want Julio with him to meet Vera for the first time?

5. Why does Julio go to Blanca's church in Part IV?

6. What does Negra want Julio to do for her after Victor beats her up badly?

7. How does Blanca react to seeing Vera's huge diamond ring that she gave to Julio?

8. How does Bodega act around Vera when he first meets her in Part IV?

9. Why is Julio worried Blanca will make a connection between Sapo and Salazar's death?

10. Why does Julio go to Queens with Nazario, and what happens there?

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 does the violence between Negra and her husband Victor reveal about their marriage? How does Quinonez treat themes like marital fidelity throughout the novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

What is Bodega's greatest fear about meeting Vera? What does he most fervently wish for Vera to think about him when she sees him for the first time after decades? Write an essay explaining your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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