As a high-ranking member of the Soviet secret police, Leo Demidov knows a thing or two about power. He knows that fear can bring down even the strongest men; he knows that being right is less important than being on top; and he knows that gaining more power only puts a target on your back. In Child 44, we see what happens when Leo is stripped of this power and forced to endure the same oppressive tactics he inflicted on so many innocent citizens. As he struggles to adapt to life at the bottom of the food chain, Leo learns what might be his most important lesson about power so far: that no amount of power is worth the price of your soul.
Questions About Power
- How does Raisa's relationship to Leo change as he becomes less powerful?
- Are the MGB's oppressive tactics effective? Why or why not?
- Compare and contrast Vasili's and Nesterov's use of their power.
- Why does Vasili feel empty after sending Leo to his death?