Kira says that she wants to be an engineer simply because it's the career she chooses. What does Victor say about her choice? Does Victor exhibit that ideal himself?

Describe at least three Communist officials and their own beliefs on Communism. Are their beliefs in keeping with the ideals of Communism?

Why is Kira expelled from the University? Why is Leo expelled? Why is Irina expelled while Victor remains?

What happens when Kira discovers that Leo has the early signs of tuberculosis? How does she react? How does Leo react? Does Leo recover physically? Mentally?

How does Irina end up in jail? What does Victor gain? What does he lose?

What is the fate of those sent to Siberian prisons? What does Irina's father try to accomplish before she leaves? Is he successful?

What is it that Kira has against Communism? How do her...