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. In what month is convoy 15 sent?

2. What does Pantoja wear in Chapter 10 because the charade is up?

3. A radio host tells his listeners about a famous landmark that was purchased by whom?

4. Who informs Pantoja that a prostitute and a sergeant have eloped?

5. A radio host tells his listeners about a famous landmark designed by whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is surprising about Olga's funeral?

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

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

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

5. How does Sinchi react when he finds out Pantoja is in the military?

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

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

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

9. How does Pantoja react when he is told of the decision to discontinue the operations of the SSGFRI?

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

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 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 3

What is the significance of Mother Leonor's nightmare where a cockroach is eaten by a rat who is eaten by a lizard who is eaten by a jaguar who is crucified and whose remains are devoured by cockroaches? What does her dream seem to be a metaphor for? How might the dream relate to Pantoja and his situation with the army?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,010 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample