Questions About The Honourable Schoolboy (George Smiley, #6; Karla Trilogy, #2)

by John le Carré

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Bob

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I just finished the book (whew!), and will have to re-read the ending. But one character whose role puzzled me (and Peter Guilliam) is that of Sam Collins. How did he seemingly go from the doghouse to playing such a key role in the case? And how exactly did the opium running fit into all of this?

PG Since he was kicked out by Bill Haydon, opinions about Sam Collins would be necessarily divided - is he one of the "clean" ones or did Haydon shove hi…moreSince he was kicked out by Bill Haydon, opinions about Sam Collins would be necessarily divided - is he one of the "clean" ones or did Haydon shove him out as a cover. Once Sam is on the inside (the fifth floor), but still treated at an arm's length by Guillam, he uses the opportunity to align with the Cousins, and Saul Enderby and his administrative cohorts. If you can, recall how Guillam kicks himself for asking Sam to take a report to the committee managing "Dolphin".

As for Opium running, in addition to providing a backdrop for Liz's character, as well as providing the last shove for "shake for the tree" plan" which is to get Drake to hurry up his plans to smuggle Nelson from China.

Hope this helps.(less)

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Sandra

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Nikita

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Nancy Thormann Yes - as I understand it Nelson went to university in Russia and Karla set him up as a Russian agent there. The Russians wanted it to seem as if Nelso…moreYes - as I understand it Nelson went to university in Russia and Karla set him up as a Russian agent there. The Russians wanted it to seem as if Nelson was dead, even though he was still alive, so they paid Drake money to help Nelson live wherever he was living.(less)

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