Discussions on literature of and about the Holocaust by their very nature often become highly emotive. While the following questions deal with incidents and characters from the novel, the allegorical nature of the text makes it inevitable that the debate will branch out to address wider issues of human behavior and justice. It is important to recognize that Schlink himself does not offer his readers a right or wrong answer, nor is the conduct of any character lauded over that of another. Underlying any discussion on this powerful novel will be Hanna's own demand, "What would you have done?" and this question will allow students to develop their understanding of the text and to suspend immediate moral judgement.

1. Hanna is more concerned that her illiteracy may be discovered than her past as a concentration camp guard. How do the two pasts become intertwined?

2. Why can Hanna...