To what extent do you think Latin American culture drives the action of this story? Choose three different countries with varying cultures and summarize how the story would be the same or different as a result. Look for similarities and differences across cultures and also bear in mind what you understand human nature to be.

Think about how this story portrays a certain type of fighting. Compare it to modern American gang-related violence to see what similarities and differences there are. Is there a code of honor in each type? Are there established rules? Is there closure or resolution? Try to account for the differences between the two approaches and suggest motives for each.

Read about Vargas Llosa' s strained relationship with his father. What relevance might this have to the relationship between Leonidas and Justo in "The Challenge"? Does the author's...