What are examples of the different kinds of secrets that come in the novel-from those held by individuals to those of institutions, such as banks or the government? Do you have the sense that the book suggests a hierarchy of secrecy, or are all secrets equally dangerous?ġ2. What does Walter think and feel during the scene at the well? What do his decisions at that moment say about his own personality and the circumstances of the times? Why doesn’t he tell Rosanna about it until many years later?ġ1. On page 104, Eloise says to Frank, “Almost everyone sees things, but not everyone notices them.” What does she mean, and why is it fitting that she says this to Frank, of all her nephews and nieces? How does Frank exemplify the difference between seeing and noticing, especially as he uses his keen sense of “vision” to lead him throughout his life?ġ0. How does Smiley use their reactions to deepen our understanding of these characters and to show the passage of time?ĩ. Over the course of the three decades depicted in Some Luck, various characters embrace or resist new technology-Walter and the tractor, Rosanna and electricity, Joey’s farming techniques, Frank’s study of German warfare. What point is Smiley making by changing the mythology?Ĩ. Variations on the story of Lucky Hans appear several times in the novel, including the version told by Opa to Frank in 1924, Lillian’s version remembered by Henry in 1947, and Arthur’s tale of Frank and the golden egg in 1952. How does this quality help him in his life? Does it hinder him?ħ. Throughout the story, Frank is described as persistent, if not outright stubborn. How does Mary Elizabeth’s death affect Rosanna? How does it change her relationship with the children who follow?Ħ. How does Smiley use the children’s points of view at all ages-including when they are very small-to show their development and coming-of-age in real time? What are some of the memorable traits that carry from infancy to young adulthood for each of the five children?ĥ. When those traits prove true, do you think it’s because of nurture-her and Walter’s influence-or nature-personalities fully formed at birth?Ĥ.

Rosanna assigns personality traits to each of her children in infancy.

How does Smiley use this structure to propel her story?ģ. Each chapter in the novel takes place over the course of one year. What do you think the title means? Whose luck does it refer to? Is it only good or bad luck, or does the word “luck” shift in connotation as the novel goes forward?Ģ.

Some luck book