Research the life of Cuban patriot and poet Jose Julian Marti and compare events in his life with events in the novel.

Compare and contrast Julian's and Lucia's impressions of Guatemala City.

Investigate the revolutionary history of Cuba since the early 1800s until the present day. Decide if there are common elements or events shared by both eras.

Translate one of Jose Marti's poems from Spanish to English.

Describe the nineteenth-century "coming-of-age" party. Explain how this custom did or did not change during the twentieth century.

Define the meaning of the following Spanish words and relate them to events in the story: "criollo," "habanero," "ninas," "chirilingo."