Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- What is Alan hoping to achieve in Saudi Arabia? Is he successful on any level?
- How does Alan's relationship with his daughter Kit shape his thinking about his purpose in life?
- Why does Hanne say that there's "no light" in Alan's head?
- What happens to make Alan lose his enjoyment of life? What takes away his warmth?
- Why does Alan have such a hard time getting a grip on Saudi Arabian society?
- What is Alan's relationship with his young crew from Reliant?
- Why is Alan disappointed that the lump on his spine isn't cancer?
- What happens to the relationship between Yousef and Alan by the end of the work?
- What does Alan think of the women in his life? What does he think of himself as a potential partner or lover?
- What are the social and economic conditions that contribute to Alan's predicament?
- How much of Alan's current troubles are due to his bad choices? How much due to circumstances beyond his control?
- How would you characterize Alan Clay?
- Why do memories of Charlie Fallon crash in on Alan during his stay in Saudi Arabia?
- What is the purpose of the letters that Alan tries to write to Kit?
- What do you think Alan's frame of mind is after the visit of King Abdullah?