Panama Hotel (1986) – Lake View (1986); p. 3-44
1. How many times has Henry visited the hotel? When? Was Ethel the love of his life?
2. What does Marty think about his father’s ideas/practices?
3. What did the hotel represent in the 1940’s? Why did Henry go there today? What is brought up from the basement? How does Henry react?
4. What was Henry’s vow about his wife? Does Marty agree?
5. What present does Marty give his father? How does Marty feel about this gift? His son?
6. What do Henry’s parents tell him when he is 12? What is his relationship like with his parents?
7. What does his father give him to wear? Why?
8. What is the nature of the relationship between Sheldon and Henry?
9. Who is Chaz? How does Henry usually respond to his taunts and insults?
10. Where does Henry meet Keiko? What is Mrs. Beatty’s attitude toward Henry and Keiko? How do you think Mrs. Beatty feels about Henry and Keiko?
11. Why is Henry at the Rainer school? Why is Keiko there? Why is Henry resentful of the Japanese?
12. What is the nature of Henry and Bud’s relationship?
13. What is the dinner like between Henry and Marty?
14. Where does Henry go after his meal with his son? What does he leave there? Why do you think Henry went there?
What question(s) do you have for the group?