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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. Who is upset about being left out of the song written about the Special Service?

2. What time is it when Chapter 8 begins?

3. From where does Pantoja know the friend he visits at the beginning of Chapter 8?

4. To whom does Pantoja send the lyrics to the song about the Special Service?

5. In what month is convoy 15 sent?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Navy members become upset with Pantoja and his operation?

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

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

4. Why does Pantoja visit Huallaga?

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

6. Why does Pantoja put on his uniform in Chapter 10?

7. How do other officers feel about Pantoja, according to Mendoza?

8. What information does Maclovia reveal during her radio interview that outrages listeners?

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

10. What is surprising about Olga's funeral?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explore Pantoja's straight-laced nature at the start of the book. Describe two instances in which Pantoja shows himself to be straight-laced. Knowing Pantoja is prudish and does everything by the book, why does Army choose him to run their operation? Why does this prudish nature work both for and against him?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of Olga's murder to the rest of the novel? Why do you think Olga is killed off in the story? Are you surprised by her fate? Why or why not? How does her murder move the plot of the story along? Do you think it is significant that her murder is the result of a botched plan to kidnap and rape her? Why do you think Vargas Llosa chooses to kill her this way and not actually be purposefully be murdered by Moray and his men?

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