Why is a pristine beach in a remote, exotic location so desirable to the jaded backpack travelers? Why do they require someplace so exclusive, and from where do they get their feelings of superiority over the tourists and even the natives?

Why does Richard, who was born the year after the Vietnam War ended, so fascinated with the terminology and scenes of this war? How does the author weave this obsession into the fabric of the character and the plot?

Why does Sal emerge as the leader of this paradise commune? Discuss the role of women in this novel. Compare the characters of Francoise and Sal.

There are more than twenty residents of the commune, but the author only focuses on the actions and conversations of less than ten of them. Why is this? Why these specific characters, and what role do they play...