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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. Where does the local radio show host approach Pocha for an interview?

2. In Chapter 10, who goes into business for herself and opens a very successful brothel on the highway to San Juan?

3. Who have Army officials been given the responsibility of finding and capturing?

4. Pantoja's assignment, after the Special Service is shut down, is near what lake?

5. How long is a sergeant put in jail after eloping with a prostitute?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Pantoja's relationship with Olga.

2. How does Maclovia behave during her radio interview with Sinchi?

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

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

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

6. What is the "House of Iron"?

7. How does Morey try to cover up Olga's murder?

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

9. What does Sinchi say about Pantoja on-air the first time he talks about him?

10. How does Olga die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Explore the author's use of written correspondences in the novel. Describe two instances where the author makes use of letters or memos. What purpose do they serve for the reader? Why do you think the author employs so many of them as opposed to writing in traditional narrative style?

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