View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does not believe Pantoja when he tells his superiors how many men are being serviced by the Special Service each week?

2. At what port does the Special Services' pilot mission take place?

3. What is the name of the man that will head the Navy ship that Pantoja and the Special Service are allowed to use?

4. What is the name of the famous religious man Leonor begins to follow?

5. What is the new name of the Navy ship Pantoja and the Special Service are allowed to use?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Pocha adapted to life in Iquitos?

2. Why is Pantoja happy at the beginning of Chapter 5?

3. Why are people in Moronacocha heralding a young boy as a martyr?

4. What does Pocha tell Chichi about Leonor's following of Brother Fransisco?

5. What is the issue that Pantoja is being sent to the small city of Iquitos to handle?

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

7. What problems does Pocha tell Chichi she is having with Pantoja?

8. What is Dispatch Number 2?

9. What is Pantoja's job in Iquitos?

10. What is Dispatch Number One?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the significance of the religious sect, the Brothers of the Ark. What does the sect seem to represent? What narrative function does the sect serve? How is the sect described throughout the novel? What seems to be the overall tone around the sect? What techniques does the author use to portray the sect? What seems to be the significance of the sacrifices and other violent acts?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 889 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample