Essay Questions

Who was Lisbeth and what was her importance in the story?

Lisbeth was the daughter of a gangster and she is the protagonist of the novel. She was shot by her father but she is blamed for attacking him, and she had been suffering in the hospital because of the brain injury and also faced criticism despite of being innocent. She was saved miraculously but she feels helpless owing to her dependency upon others. Lisbeth was an active and courageous girl who didn't commit any murder and who was struggling for her own survival but still she had to stand accountable for other's sins especially her father's sins.

Who was Zala and how did he die?

Zala was a gangster who used to kidnap girls for selling them. He was working for an enterprise who was involved in the rape of women. Zala was the most evil man who didn't spare his daughter and shot her to death. He blamed her for his own injury. He physically disabled her daughter which is similar to the powerlessness that he used to cause other women. Although he was survived by the doctor who treated Lisbeth as well but Gullberg murdered him before killing himself. The agency for which Zala was working decides not to save him so Gullberg killed him.

Why does Lisbeth write an autobiography?

Lisbeth knew about all the murderers and gangsters who were involved in criminal activities including her own father. The section was a special department of police and a lot of officials were also involved in criminal activities. Lisbeth also suffered the blames of murders despite of being a victim. When she became well after living for a long time in hospital, she wrote her autobiography in which she revealed truth about the criminals. Her autobiographies disrupted the power section and the status quo which was defending Zala.

What is meant by 'Section' in the novel?

Section was a special Swedish secret service. It was like a department of police and its officials were involved in criminal activities. Michael saves Lisbeth from the people of section because she knew about them. The section was trying to save Lisbeth's father who was involved in the trafficking of girls and various murders. Lisbeth unveils their crimes along with her father's illegal and immoral activities by writing her autobiography.