Why is Lotto successful in life? Is it fated, or is it directly linked to the people he surrounds himself with? Are his loved one’s investment in him the key to his success or a byproduct of his inherent greatness? Was Lotto in fact a talented person worthy of the accolades he received?

Did Mathilde make the right decision in marrying Lotto? For all the good that she facilitated in his career to all the disruptions she caused in his family life, did she have more of a positive or negative effect on Lotto’s life?

Which character truly loved Lotto the most? Use examples from the novel to defend your choice.