How are time pieces and locks the bane of Albert Albinus' existence? Which are worse?

How is Leo Tolstoy's great novel, Anna Karenina, used in this novel? Based on whether or not you have read Anna Karenina, how would you rate the reference?

How does Otto contribute to the novel? Are his and Paul's motivations the same?

Does Axel think up his homosexual persona on the spot, when he fears Albert has found him and Margot out, or has it already been in the planning? How do you justify your answer?

Albert sees Irma's funeral as an opportunity to get back together with Elisabeth. Had he had the strength to follow through, might he have repaired his life? Would Margot and Axel have let him go?

How does the atmosphere of a hockey match add and/or detract from Margot and Axel's discussion of...