House of Sand and Fog Study Guide- pp.280-324
1. “ I have seen one hundred men like this; they are desperate for something so they use their pistol the last minute but they are always bluffing.” (p281) In what way is the colonel’s assessment of Lester an ironic foreshadowing of Esmail’s fate?
2. The colonel was armed when he escaped Iran with his family. Why is he recalling this memory now? How does this relate to his confrontation with Lester? (p. 282)
3. “Thugs: these are people who hurt others merely to get things they want. Criminals, Esmail. Bad people.” (pp.284-285) How does Esmail react to this explanation? What does this say about the depth of his character?
4. “What is it I have done except provide for my family?” (p.285) What does Nadirah say to this that sheds light on Behrani’s true motives?
5. Why does the colonel tell Esmail to appear frightened and do whatever Lester tells them to do? (287)
6. “…the time has come for Colonel Massoud Amir Behrani to stand at the wall, to stand at full attention and face his accusers.” (p288) When did Behrani not take full responsibility for his actions? How has it come back to haunt him?
7. What is Kathy’s explanation for her suicide attempt? What is Lester’s reaction?
p.295)
8. The colonel says that when he worked along the roadside his God was testing him. How has this belief led him to the house on Bisgrove? Do you agree or disagree with this philosophy? (p. 301)
9. What important part does Lester’s empty gun play in the resolution of this story. Be very specific. (p.303)
10. “Your sh*t is my sh*t.” What exactly is Lester saying here to Kathy that is important for her to hear? (p.305)
11. Lester has planned for Kathy to get her house back. At what point do things unravel and begin the final downward spiral of the novel?
12. Until this point in the novel, the colonel has shown few redeeming qualities. How has Dubus made us pity him?
13. How has Behrani been made to pay for his actions? Does he deserve his fate? Why or why not?
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