790:389 Politics and the Spy Novel Spring 2002 Professor Aronoff

Discussion Questions on Smiley's People (1979)

1) What two events brought George Smiley out of retirement?

2) What does Lacon ask Smiley to do? Be sure to discuss the nuances and implications.

3) How did politics influence structural changes in the intelligence service?

4) What news was Vladimir trying to convey to Smiley? Why did he insist on Moscow Rules?

5) How did Smiley figure out where the "proof" was hidden? Who got the other one?

6) What two important pieces of information does Smiley learn from Villem (William)?

7) What does Smiley recognize in Mikhel and what does he suspect?

8) Explain the significance of the conversation between Ann and George Smiley, especially: "he heard the drum-beats of his own past, summoning him to one last effort to externalise and resolve the conflict he had lived by; and he wanted her nowhere near him." (Chapter 12)

9) Discuss: "I invested my life in institutions-he thought without rancour-and all I am left with is myself."

10) What does Smiley learn from Toby Esterhase (Mr. Benati)?

11) What piece of the puzzle is provided by Connie Sachs?

12) Explain Smiley's reaction to her statement: "Twin cities, we used to say you were, you and Karla, two halves of the same apple."

13) What is the significance of Smiley's self-doubt, sense of decency, and his statement that Karla's "lack of moderation will be his downfall"?

14) Why was Karla under stress, in a hurry, and willing to take risks?

15) What is the nature of the deal that Smiley makes with Enderby?

16) What is the significance of Smiley's visit to Ann?

17) Who is Alexandra (Tatiana) and what does Smiley learn from her?

18) How was Grigoriev "burned"?

19) Discuss Smiley's technique as an interrogator and what information Grigoriev revealed.

20) Explain the "unholy vertigo" that seized Smiley as Karla crossed the bridge and Smiley's response to Guillam which concludes the novel.