Explain Lisa.

Why did Nellie run away? Why did she come back?

How will Frank and Nellie's relationship change following her return?

At one point, Selwyn asks Frank if he had noticed the extent to which Russia had changed Nellie. Do you agree that it might have been true? Discuss.

Does Frank become more Russian in the course of the novel, more spiritual?

At one point the author observes that Kuriatin has a rather strong odor. In what way does this observation contribute to the story?

Can Selwyn Crane be trusted?

In what way can Russia itself be considered a character in the novel?

In answering Frank's question about whether he (Frank) can be thought of as 'unkind,' Selwyn says, "...you don't grasp the importance of what is beyond sense or reason.' Do you agree? Discuss.

1913 is historical year in Russian history...