House of Sand and Fog pp.94-109

pp.94-109

1. In what way does the description of Esmail by his father show that he has become Americanized? (page 94)
2. What has brought the change in Nadi’s mood? How does the smell of the dinner
she is preparing and her singing work on Behrani’s mood as well?(page 95)

3. The arrival of a courier car drastically changes Behrani’s fortune. Describe how the
letter from Kathy’s attorney affects him. What does he do? What is he thinking?
What is your interpretation of the scene immediately following in the bathroom?
(pages 96-97)

4. Is the description at the top of page 98 included for pure erotic effect or does it
somehow add to our understanding of Kathy and Lester’s character? How?

5. What emotional and physical risks are Kathy and Lester facing by taking their
relationship to this level?

6. “…it was as if I wasn’t anchored to the ground all the way.” What is the author’s
purpose in using this simile repeatedly throughout the novel?(pages 100-101)

7. Why do you think the author describes Colonel Behrani’s outfit in such great detail? What might be symbolic about the color of his tie? (page 102)
8. “My name is Colonel Massoud Amir Behrani. I wish to speak to Mr. Walsh,
please.” What does this say about Behrani’s past relationship with women?
9 Why has Nadi hung the picture of Behrani and the Shah back up in their bungalo?
(page 108) Of what significance is the presence of the Savakis in this photo?

10. Soraya is described by her father as “stepping into a limousine dressed in ivory
satin….with a spray of baby breath flowers which she wore like a crown.” (page 109) Contrast this to what you know of Kathy and how Behrani treats her.
. ,The Shah’s second wife was named Soraya.