When Julius tells Allan that they accidentally froze Bolt to death, Allan’s response is cavalier: He compliments the eggs that Julius just cooked. Knowing everything that Allan experienced during his 100 years, is his lackadaisical attitude toward the death of this young man acceptable or calloused and heartless? Refer to passages from the book to justify your response.

Allan patiently waits out years of imprisonment in Sweden, the US, and Russia. Why does he live in a nursing home for only three months before deciding to escape?

Allan's companions Estebán, Ferguson, and the three Iranians all die as a direct result of defending their causes, while his companions Einstein, Julius, Benny, and Amanda all survive because they have no convictions. What is Johansson saying about the dangers of being a “true believer”?