26 pages 52 minutes read

Gary Soto

The No-Guitar Blues

Fiction | Short Story | YA | Published in 1990

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Essay Topics

1.

The story opens with a depiction of Los Lobos playing on American Bandstand. Research American Bandstand and explain why this program was chosen in particular for the story. How does it illuminate Soto’s themes?

2.

Why is Los Lobos particularly inspiring for Fausto? Research the group and incorporate details about their origins and career. Why might Fausto see himself in them?

3.

Fausto is the story’s protagonist. Who or what is the antagonist? Use details from the story to support your answer.