Our Man in Havana

In your view, what reasons might M16 have had to choose Wormold, a simple vacuum cleaner salesman, as a recruit?

Consider the importance of names in the novel. What do the names of the characters Wormold, Beatrice, and Milly suggest about them?

Milly can be seen as the primary motivating factor of the novel, since Wormold takes on spy work for her sake. Do you think she deserves the efforts and dangerous risks Wormold takes? Why or why not?

In your interpretation, who carried out the break-in of Hasselbacher’s house, and how did they find out about Hasselbacher’s connection with Wormold?

What is the purpose or significance of Dr. Hasselbacher’s search for a lottery ticket in Part 1, Chapter 4, Pages 3-33?

Greene was known for drawing on his Roman Catholic faith in his novels. What role does Catholicism play in Our Man in Havana?

What are some of Greene’s satirical targets in the novel? What perspective does his satire reveal? Are there any people, groups, or organizations he presents in a positive light?

Discuss ways in which Greene exploits national stereotypes in the novel.