In Go Went Gone the author Jenny Erpenbeck chronicles the experiences of Richard, a recently retired Classics professor living in Berlin, and a group of African refugees he sees in passing and later interviews. During the course of the novel his relationships with some of the men evolve and deepen as he learns more about them, their families and their harrowing experiences reaching the European Union. By the end of the novel, he takes on a more proactive stance with respect to their welfare and future prospects of remaining in Germany and encourages his circle of friends to do the same.
For this assignment, choose ONE of the following topics. Be sure to include the topic number (1 or 2) in your submission.
1. Do you believe the author is giving a balanced portrayal of the refugee crisis as it pertains to Germany? Be sure to cite specific scenes/passages from the work to support your opinion.
OR
2. Richards thoughts return to the lake and the drowned man numerous times in the course of the novel. What is the significance of the drowned man for Richard and for the novel as a whole?
