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

2. What is the name of the sergeant that elopes with a prostitute in Chapter 6?

3. A prostitute says on a radio show that part of Pantoja's interview process involves making the girls do what?

4. Who reprimands Pantoja for the way Olga's eulogy was handled?

5. Who surprises guests at Olga's funeral by wearing a military uniform?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Pantoja visit Huallaga?

5. What is surprising about Olga's funeral?

6. What happens when Sinchi approaches Pocha at the airport when she is leaving Panjota?

7. How does Olga die?

8. What is the "House of Iron"?

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

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

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 author's use of comedy or humor in his novel. What instances of humor do you notice? Why do you think the author wrote his book with this tone in mind? Considering the subject matter, are you surprised by the lightheartedness of the novel as a whole?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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