Sacrifice

The question of sacrifice (both secular and religious) is one of the more important themes in Captain Pantoja and the Special Service. In this instance, the word itself refers to more than one kind of sacrifice. To begin, Captain Pantoja sacrifices the pomp, camraderie, and ceremony he is so proud of in order to carry out the orders his superiors give him. Pantoja is not permitted to wear his uniform, live in base housing or socialize with other officers. He is a military man who takes his role as an officer very seriously. In effect, the Peruvian Army is Pantoja's life and to give up those things that mean so much to him as a soldier is the ultimate mark of Pantoja's commitment to his job. In the beginning, it is well established that Pantoja's comportment is always impeccable. Indirectly, Pocha and Mother Leonor are also giving up...