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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 is the name of the relative that Pocha writes a letter to in Chapter 3?

2. Rioalto and Caiguas are noted as having a certain indifference toward what type of people?

3. How does Pocha describe the women of Loreto?

4. What is the original name of the hydroplane that Pantoja and the Special Service are allowed to use?

5. The SSGFRI is located near what river?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Sinchi, a popular local radio personality, visits the command post for the first time to have a discussion with Pantoja?

2. Describe the nightmare Pantoja has about the Special Services in Chapter 2.

3. What do Pocha and Alicia spend their time doing?

4. Why is Mother Leonor having a hard time in Iquitos?

5. What does the dispatch from Rear Admiral Carrillo, Chief of the River Forces of the Amazon to Captain Pantoja's superiors say?

6. Why are Pantoja's coworkers concerned about him spending time with a woman named Olga?

7. How has Pocha adapted to life in Iquitos?

8. What signs of growth in the Special Service are shown in Chapter 5?

9. What preliminary instructions is Pantoja given before leaving for Iquitos?

10. Why are Sinforoso Caiguas and Palominos Rioalto chosen to assist Pantoja and his new operation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the "The Hymn of the Special Service"? Why do you think Pantoja provides the lyrics to his superiors? How does he feel about the song? What is the significance of his feelings about the song? Thinking about the lyrics, how do the prostitutes seem to feel about their jobs? Why do you think the author shows the reader the prostitutes' take on their jobs?

Essay Topic 2

Explore Pantoja's feelings about sex throughout the novel. How does he seem to feel about sex prior to the formation of the Special Service? How do his views change? What are some examples that show how his views change? What do you think is the significance of his changes views on sex? What is the author trying to say about Pantoja as a character? What might he be saying about sex?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the circular narrative of the ending. Why do you think Pantoja's life goes back to normal in the end? What do you think he has learned from this whole experience? Were you surprised by the ending? What do you think the author is trying to say with this ending?

(see the answer keys)

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