Essay Questions

What is the primary theme in Code of Honor by Alan Gratz?

Terrorism is emerging as the primary theme in the novel Code of Honor. When Darius joined the US Army as a ranger, his family did not know that he would become the most wanted terrorist by the American authorities in later years. After finishing his military training in the United States of America, Darius is posted to work in Afghanistan. While living in Afghanistan, Darius makes friends with Muslim radicals, who influence him to believe in extremist beliefs. Therefore, Darius slowly starts helping the Al-Qaida group by giving them intelligence information and strategizing how to bomb the American Embassy in Turkey. Immediately after the bombing, Darius claims responsibility on his social media accounts. The information spreads quickly. Darius' innocent family is arrested by the police and taken into custody for questioning. Therefore, terrorism is a major theme discussed by the author in the novel.

Why is Kamran in denial that Darius is a terrorist operative?

Kamran and his entire family receive the news about their brother being involved in a terrorist attack with shock. In particular, Kamran tells the police that his brother cannot be a terrorist because they grew up together, and he never showed any signs of violence. Kamran also gives an account of the video games they played that were meant for entertainment only but not to kill people in reality. Therefore, Kamran does not agree with the police that his brother became a radical because they grew up responsibly and, more importantly, valued human life.

Is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justified in arresting Kamran’s family and putting them into custody?

The DHS has the right to interrogate the family members to get critical information about their background and the circumstances that might have led Darius to get involved in Al-Qaida. Despite Kamran being angry about the arrest, he needs to cooperate, clear his name, and prove his brother's innocence. However, putting Kamran’s family in custody is wrong because they are not the culprits who bombed the US embassy.