Goodbye to Berlin takes place during the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party in Germany, but Isherwood relegates most of these historical details to the background of the novel. Why do you think Isherwood chose to focus the action of the novel on his friendships, instead?

Sally Bowles describes herself as an ideal woman. In what ways is the real Sally Bowles different from the idealized version she presents to others?

The Nowaks and the Landauers are very different families in terms of wealth and demeanor. In what ways are they similar?