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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. In Chapter 6, the number of prostitutes in the Special Service increases to what?

2. What time does a radio show come on that mentions Pantoja and the Special Service?

3. A mayor tries to make Olga's murder look like it was done by whom?

4. Who gives Olga's eulogy?

5. Who tells Collazos that soldiers have been secretly joining the Brothers of the Ark?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the "House of Iron"?

2. What happens to a couple that elopes in Chapter 6?

3. What does a letter to Sinchi from disgruntled citizens say?

4. Why do Morey and several young men from Requena decide to kidnap prostitutes from the Special Service?

5. Describe Olga's life prior to becoming a prostitute with the Special Service.

6. What happens at the end of Chapter 8 when news of the Special Service starts to spread?

7. What does a supposedly anonymous letter from Sinchi to Panjota say?

8. How do members of the Army feel about Brother Francisco?

9. How does Sinchi react when he finds out Pantoja is in the military?

10. What happens when Pantoja requests that Morey and the other men from Requena be brought before a military tribunal and tried for their crimes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the way Olga is portrayed through a series of newspaper articles? How is she depicted in these articles? Explore the contradictions around her portrayal? How has Olga been portrayed in the novel prior to the newspaper articles? Does your opinion of her change at all after reading this chapter? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the use of names in the book. Consider the names Vargas Llosa gives his characters. Which ones stand out to you the most? Why? Why do you think the author gives his characters such colorful names? What sort of tone do these interesting names add to the book?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the theme of excess in the book. Where does the reader see excess in the book? What do the characters in the book seem to be obsessed with? Why do you think people give themselves over to their desires so easily? Why is the setting of the story important to the theme of excess? What does the author seem to be saying about excesses?

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This section contains 982 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample