Compare and contrast Alec Leamas' loyalty to British intelligence with Liz Gold's loyalty to the Communist Party.

Consider the roles of good and evil in this novel. What commentary does the conclusion of the novel make about right and wrong?

How does Mundt's role as a former Nazi, a current Communist, and a secret British agent work into the novel's spy culture that has two distinct sides?

In looking back over the novel, what added information can the reader add to the earlier chapters given the revelations at the end?

Compare the ideals expressed by Control, by Fiedler, and by Leamas regarding morality among spies. Are any of these ideals shown to be false or dishonest by the events of the novel?

What commentary is made about the political systems of Communist Germany and Democratic England? Is there any clear bias?

What role does...