Discuss the character of Lev as a flawed and fallible hero. Do we admire him more for his weaknesses and fears? How does the character of Kolya compare and contrast with Lev?

Discuss Lev’s coming-of-age. How does the novel show him developing from boy to man? What does the novel tell us about the nature of manhood?

How does the novel show us the real human experience behind political and historical events? Discuss how the author “makes it real” and enables us to identify with the experiences of Lev and other characters.