BOOK CLUB
Discussion Questions for
Of HEROIC PROPORTION
HISTORY
1). What were some of the more surprising historical details and facts of Danyk's story? What did you learn about history in general that you didn't know before reading Of HEROIC PROPORTION?
2). How did young Danyk's perception differ in his view of the Soviet and German soldiers? How might the current events of the day have supported his view?
3). Did you know that the USA recruited non-citizens into the United States Army during WWII? Do you think it was fair or justified that serving didn't guarantee getting US citizenship?
4). Did you learn enough about history to understand the plight and/or determination of modern-day Ukrainians? If you did, support your answer.
CHARACTERS
5). The life of many characters were threaded together over time. Did their interconnection make you care more? Or feel and care less? Why?
6). Other than young Danyk, was there one character you found yourself rooting for more than the others? Why?
7). Which character had the greatest effect on the outcome of Danyk's story: his father back in New York? the Soviet soldier who Danyk first slipped by into the United States Embassy in Moscow in 1947? Bogdan who encouraged Danyk to try again and return to the US Embassy in Moscow after the Soviet Union had fallen? Or Danyk's mother who guided him through the war and never let the memory of his father die? Or someone else? Can you rank the two most important?
8). When young Danyk tried to enter the US Embassy in Moscow in 1947, he was able to sneak in because a Soviet soldier turned his back. Do you think the Soviet soldier's action was intentional or demonstrated apathy? What case could be made for either?
9). Many of the characters demonstrated great courage and even heroism throughout the story. Describe, not only how a few of these characters did so, but the dangers and consequences they faced for their actions: Kupetsky, Satner, Mykhailo.
10). How did you feel about Otto Lang (the German farmer)? Do you think he was sincere in offering help to Marion and Satner, or was he hoping for their protection from the approaching Americans? What of your views on human nature might support your opinion?
11). Mariya comes to question if Sam has forgotten about her. To what degree do you think Sam was able to move on emotionally without her? What about his life makes you think so, or not?
12). Miss Maria Zemba (the Soviet teacher) considered herself a gatekeeper and took that position and status seriously. What might have been her range of emotion when the Soviet Union fell? What might she have felt more...relief for her own sense of personal freedom or dread that her position of control had been threatened?
13). Danyk never knew is father remarried but received regular packages from someone named 'Tessie' (Sam's second wife). He believed her to be just a friend of this father's. Do you think he was in denial and couldn't even consider that his father had another wife or even another woman in his life? Or was Sam being somewhat deceptive? Or guilty? Or kind?
14). Some characters tend to live on with you after you are done reading. Is there one that you will carry with you? Why? Why not?
15). Did you recognize any of the character’s traits in yourself? Someone you know? Did it make you care any more or less for them?
THEME
16). What theme best describes Danyk's story? Love and Loss? Enduring love? Persistence? Loyalty? Patriotism? Triumph over Adversity? Or another? Can you suggest another title for the book that would have more accurately reflected such theme?
MOTIVATION
17). Would Danyk have felt the same way about America if his mother had never lived there?
18). What provided the most motivation for Danyk's desire to return to America? Being reunited with his father? His mother's stories about an easier life there? Anger against a repressive government and/or desire for freedom? Some other reason?
19). On a very personal self-examination, not knowing the Soviet Union would ever fall, would you have given up your American citizenship? Could you have tolerated never getting an education, a driver's license, being the first accused and imprisoned for a crime you never committed, having your future spouse told not to marry you, having your children bullied by administrators and teachers at school because you had western ties? Of all these scenarios, which would have been the hardest to endure?
20). Does having the privilege of living in American cause many Americans to take it for granted or cherish it? Does having the privilege increase patriotism or decrease it? How has it affected you and/or those you know? What elements of the story or actions of the characters can be applied to support your view?
21). What questions were left unanswered for you that you would like to explored more? Ask other readers? Ask the author? Ask Danyk, if he was still with us?