Essay Questions

What is the symbolic meaning of the Great Gaddafi Bridge?

The Great Gaddafi Bridge is a symbol of the government’s dark secrets. Throughout the novel, readers discover that the government is behind the killings and kidnappings of the people involved in the legal battle against it. However, the government acts innocent and promises to protect witnesses, but it does the contrary. Readers learn that governments can do anything to protect those in power.

How does John Grisham explore the challenges faced by legal professionals?

John Grisham takes readers through the challenges lawyers go through while on duty. The major challenge is intimidation and threats. For instance, when Mitch and Giovanna go to Libya to conclude a legal tussle between the government and the Turkish construction company, Giovanna is kidnapped. The other challenge facing the lawyers is the elimination of witnesses by the accused groups. The reader notes that most witnesses in the Libyan case die mysteriously. Similarly, some clients commit suicide when they realize they are losing. Consequently, lawyers go through a lot of trauma, intimidation and threats while accomplishing their tasks.

Why is Luca requesting Mitch to finalize his case in Libya?

Luca is Mitch’s mentor, and when his health fails, he requests him to accomplish the lawsuit he had started in Libya. Luca cannot finish the court case between the Turkish contractor and the Libyan government over an unpaid debt of $400 million. Luca is dying of pancreatic cancer, making it impossible for him to continue pursuing his case in Libya. Therefore, he requests Mitch to take over the case and complete it according to schedule.