Research the lifestyle of those in North Korea under the leadership of Kim Jong Il. How closely does the picture of life in North Korea as portrayed in the book match the information you find through research?

Do you believe that the Second Mate was able to escape on the life raft or that he was caught? Explain the rationale behind your theory.

Explain the connection between Jun Do and Sun Moon.

What is the significance of the Dear Leader sending Sun Moon to prepare the rower girl for her reunion with the Americans? What, if anything, do these two women have in common?

Describe the way the imagery and meaning of Jun Do's tattoo changes throughout the novel.

Discuss the treatment of names in the novel as well as the North Korean view of names, i.e. the giving of martyr's names to...