Portrait of a Thief

How does Grace D. Li create tension and suspense? Provide specific examples and assess their effectiveness.

What does the conflict between Will and Irene suggest about familial relationships, perception, and communication?

Part 1’s epigraph is a quote from philosopher Theodor W. Adorno: “Every work of art is an uncommitted crime” (1). What does this mean within the context of the novel?

The five main characters have much to lose if they’re caught partaking in heists. Why do they still decide to do the heists? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

Do the crew treat each other fairly? Do power dynamics or socioeconomic differences shape their interactions? Provide specific examples to support your answer.

How do the various settings develop the novel’s themes? How might the story have been different if the crew had met Wang Yuling in the US, or if the zodiac heads had been looted from another country?

Narration remains in third-person perspective between the five main characters. Describe how the narrative voice is made distinct for each character.

Describe the novel’s tone and how it contributes to the themes. Is there an argument being made regarding Art Colonization and Repatriation? Provide specific examples to support your answer.