Scene 1 Exciting News
Why did Juan let down his guard?
He knew Mariana's new address and the fact that she remembered him.
Why did many people apply for the censor's job?
Because some people wanted to intercept a letter; some wanted a job for a living; while others simply had a calling to contribute to the country.
He felt at peace and knew his mission.
What occupied his mind day and night?
The letter.
Why needn't the Censorship Division be too strict with applicants?
Because it is hard to find a letter and the censor will be too busy with many other letters.
How did he feel when he got promoted to Section J and Section E?
He felt guilty and excited.
He kept worrying about the potential harm the letter might cause Mariana, his girlfriend.
What are the promotion conditions of the post office's sensorship division?
1. Start from dangerous work
2. Work hard and be careful
3. Report uncooperative workers
When he worked in Section B, what changes occurred in Juan's personality and his life?
He got absorbed in his job and turned a blind eye to his life. He no longer enjoyed eating, felt exhausted, ignored his mother and other girls, and refused the temptation of alcohol.
Why do you think Mariana has left for Paris?
Because she felt safe there and dreamed of living there.
What are the responsibilities for workers in section J&K? What are the workers' responsibilities in section E?
Check letters for explosives and poisons.
Check the contents of letters.
He had a truly patriotic task, both self-denying and uplifting. What does the word "patriotic" mean here?
The word is an example of a verbal irony which conveys a controdictory meaning to its literal one. Juan assumes he works to serve the country, but he secretly aims to serve his own private purpose and meanwhile harms his countrymen.
What would happen to Mariana if the letter was intercepted by the authority?
The Censor's Secret Command would fly to Paris, kidnap her, and return to Argentina.
Juan's guilt to his fellow workers.
Why does Juan censor his own letter without regret?
Juan has become dedicated to the idea that censorship is necessary and that he is doing his duty.