Native Speaker

Henry’s sense of self is harmed when he fails in his assignment on the psychotherapist Luzan. What is the reason for this failure, and what does it reveal about Henry’s psyche?

Make an argument: Should Lelia and Henry stay together? Explain your reasoning.

What is the symbolic importance of Mitt’s tragic death? In your response, explore what his death means to Henry and Lelia’s marriage, and what it implies about the world around them.

What qualities about Henry make him a good spy? What qualities make him a bad spy? How does this paradox challenge Henry’s character development?

Write a comparison of Henry Park and John Kwang. In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different? Why does Lee present Kwang as a secondary character? Include a conclusion about Lee’s theme.

Could this novel have taken place in a city other than New York? Explain your response using evidence from the text.

What is Lee’s overall message about multiculturalism in America? Use at least three examples from the text to support your analysis.

Is Kwang a villain or a victim of society? Is he both? Write an analysis of Kwang’s character development and role in the novel.