What purpose does Paul’s imaginary trip to Paris serve? In answering this question, you may consider the function for Paul as a character, and/or the broader role that it plays in the novel.

In what ways is Paul brave? In what ways is he cowardly? Would you call him brave overall—why or why not? (You may need to first consider what it means to be brave.)

Though the reader never meets Paul’s father, Paul thinks about him often. How would you characterize Paul’s relationship with his father? How does it influence Paul’s actions throughout the novel?