The Pelican Brief

Fletcher Coal thrives on the hatred of other people. Does his ruthless, cunning approach to politics lead to his undoing? Why or why not?

How and why does The Pelican Brief humanize Khamel, its fearsome assassin character?

As the head of the FBI, Voyles is a powerful figure. Are his actions informed by morality, a desire to remain in power, or both? Use textual evidence to back up your answer.

Morality is a complicated notion in The Pelican Brief. What are the benefits and drawbacks to acting according to a moral code? Compare at least two characters in your answer.

In the novel, sleaze infects journalism, law, and politics to some degree. Why are dirty tricks a necessary part of competence? 

Compare Darby’s romances with Callahan and Grantham. How do the power dynamics in these relationships differ? 

Mattiece may never be brought to justice. To what extent can justice be said to be done in the novel? Does the novel believe in justice?

How does the Supreme Court function as a plot device in the novel? What does it represent to the characters?