Plot Points
What is the name of the book that Francisco supposedly won the Planeta Prize for?
What is Saint Appolonia's Back Teeth?
What was Francisco's job before he became a famous "author"?
What is a professor (of Peruvian literature)?
The main problem in the story is that Francisco is living with this false identity.
What is a hoax/fraud/impostor?
The story is told from this point of view, so we can read Francisco's thoughts.
What is first person?
The word "laconically" means to say something in this way.
He answered the question laconically, saying only "yes."
What is using very few words (or briefly)?
How much money did Francisco receive with his first prize?
What is ten thousand dollars?
What letter does Francisco use as a nickname for his benefactor?
What is "B"?
This theme is about Francisco taking credit for work he didn't do.
What is honesty vs. lying (or being real vs. being fake)?
Francisco uses three negative words to describe the first novel's style: "exaggerated," "phoney," and this.
What is unauthentic (or fake)?
When Francisco says he has "meager literary talents," the word "meager" means this.
What is small/limited/not much?
After three years, Francisco received this first volume from Jordi.
What is The Long Journey (Volume I)?
Francisco has never seen, heard, or known these three things about his benefactor.
What are his face, his voice, and his name?
Francisco's situation shows the difference between how people see him and this.
What is the truth (or who he really is)
It is ironic that Francisco becomes world-famous even though he has this.
What is limited writing talent (or little skill)
The phrase "grand guignol" describes a story that is very dramatic, shocking, and over-the-top. It is this kind of style.
What is sensational/melodramatic/exaggerated?
Where was Francisco working when he got the telegram about winning the prize?
What is the University of Trujillo?
Francisco says the first novel had all the signs of this kind of popular book.
What is a best seller?
The story asks if Francisco deserves fame when he doesn't have this.
What is real talent/skill?*
At the beginning, the author's tone when describing Francisco's background is this.
What is matter-of-fact (or straightforward)?
Francisco had "presence of mind" when he quickly asked for the manuscript during the phone call. What does "presence of mind" mean?
What is: the ability to think clearly/stay calm under pressure?
What excuse did Francisco use to avoid going to the prize ceremonies?
What is pretending to be sick?
What feeling has Francisco had ever since his benefactor disappeared?
What is despair?
When the benefactor disappears, Francisco feels alone. This explores the cost of this.
What is success/fame?
The author compares Francisco to "a spy" who "can never escape his calling." This is an example of this.
What is a simile (or comparison)?
Francisco's whole life as a famous author is a "façade." What does "façade" mean?
What is a false front/fake appearance/cover-up?