Consider the role of national identity in the novel. How does Thornton characterize Argentina as a whole? How does the junta’s conception of Argentina contrast with the conception of their victims and dissidents?

Examine the role of music in the novel. How does music function as a tool of characterization? How does it interact with other art forms, like theater?

Compare and contrast Carlos with Guzman. In what ways are Carlos and Guzman different or similar? How does their meeting speak to the novel’s key themes and ideas?