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

by John le Carré

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Answered Questions (9)

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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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Do I have to read the earlier books in this trilogy (or in the Smiley series), to understand this book?

Robert Bagnall I’ve seen comments that you don’t, but this follows on directly from Tinker Tailor and it will help with context, particularly concerning ‘the fall’ o…moreI’ve seen comments that you don’t, but this follows on directly from Tinker Tailor and it will help with context, particularly concerning ‘the fall’ of the Circus.(less)

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