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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 prostitute that elopes in Chapter 6?

2. Pantoja tells the Special Service workers that all he ever wanted to do is what?

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

4. Who does Olga claim to be in Pantoja's dream?

5. A radio host tells his listeners about a famous landmark designed by a man from what country?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Panjota feel like his military career is in shambles?

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

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

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

5. What happens when Chuchupe and Wong try to convince Pantoja to leave the military and go into business with them?

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

7. Describe Leonor's dream at the beginning of Chapter 10.

8. Describe Pantoja's relationship with Olga.

9. How do the people in Pantoja's life react to him giving Olga's eulogy?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the formal tone used in Pantoja's communications with his superiors? What are some examples of the formality of Pantoja's tone in his memos? Why do you think the author has his character use this formal tone, especially given the subject matter of sex? What goal is he trying accomplish with his narration?

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

Explore the army's motives for keeping Pantoja at arm's length and the repercussions of them treating him like they are ashamed of him. What instances are there of the army keeping Pantoja at a distance? What techniques does the author use to show the reader than Pantoja is being kept at a distance from the army? Why do you think the army is treating Pantoja this way? Do they seem happy with his performance?

(see the answer keys)

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