Does the story suggest that Antonio and Felix did the right thing by separating in the days leading up to the fight? How did the distance help them prepare? Did it make their preparation more difficult in any way?

How are Antonio and Felix similar? How are they different?

Antonio and Felix are part of a proud tradition of fighters coming from the Lower East Side. How does this tradition and the communal pride associated with boxing influence the stakes of the fight and the pressure they feel to win?

Describe the use of English and Spanish in the story. How is language used to create culture and community?

Analyze the story’s setting. What role does the Lower East Side play in the story, and how does community influence the boys’ lives?

How do themes of brotherhood, sportsmanship, and competition interact in the story?

Discuss Felix’s confrontation with the gang members. How does this episode develop the story’s ideas about masculinity?

How does Thomas narrate the fight between Felix and Antonio? How does this part of the story differ in tone, pacing, etc., from the narration of the rest of the text?