Darius the Great Is Not Okay

What kinds of ideas does Darius have about Iran before traveling there? How do they compare to the reality he experiences?

Just before Darius returns to America, Sohrab tells him, “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you” (297). How does Sohrab see Darius, and how does that perception influence Darius?

Darius the Great Is Not Okay contains many references to popular culture. Choose one of the shows, books, or movies that Darius frequently references (e.g., Star Trek or The Lord of the Rings) and analyze the role it plays in the novel.

Darius gives or receives several gifts over the course of the story. Choose three and discuss their significance in terms of character, theme, and symbolism.

Darius tends to repeat certain phrases or figures of speech—e.g., “That’s normal, right?” or “Maybe I was (did, etc.).” Discuss the way these speech patterns contribute to his characterization.

Compare and contrast Stephen Kellner and Ardeshir Bahrami. How do each of their relationships with Darius change over the course of the novel?

Discuss the subplot involving Sohrab’s father. How does it compare to Darius’s experiences with his own father?

Darius Kellner is named after Darius I of Persia. Research the real Darius the Great, and discuss Darius’s relationship to his heritage considering what you find out.