Discuss Judaism. How does the novel portray Jews? Are they likeable or dislikable characters? What are the strengths and weaknesses of these Jewish characters?

Discuss persecution. In the novel, Jews are persecuted. Are Jews still persecuted today in any part of the world? How? Are Jews still persecuted in America today, or are they accepted members of society?

The Communist regime stifles the Czech people. What are the values of Communism? Do you think Communism can work if executed correctly, or is it always a doomed form of government? What modern day countries still employ Communism and how do they fare as a society?

If you were a Czech artist in Prague in the 1970s, how would you react to the Soviet occupation? Would you try and flee the country or would you stay and fight for what you believe in? As a writer...