American Assassin
Chapter 42
by Flynn, VinceThe chapter opens with a tense scene where Rapp, an operative, intimidates a banker named Dorfman by threatening his poodle with a knife to force him to open a safe. Dorfman, emotionally distraught, complies to save his dog, revealing his priorities. Rapp and his partner Hurley discover Nazi memorabilia in the safe, along with financial documents linking Dorfman to terrorist activities. Despite Dorfman’s claims of being a mere businessman, Rapp condemns him for aiding terrorists. Hurley executes Dorfman, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes, and the two prepare to leave for Zurich with the confiscated evidence.
The narrative then shifts to Moscow, focusing on Ivanov, a corrupt SVR officer who leverages his position for personal gain. Ivanov reflects on a lucrative deal involving natural gas contracts, comparing his methods to those in *The Godfather*. He views post-Soviet Russia as a lawless landscape where power and money dominate, mirroring the inefficiencies and corruption of the communist era. Ivanov prides himself on cutting through bureaucratic red tape for clients, demanding a 10% stake in their ventures as payment, which he justifies as his rightful share.
Ivanov’s worldview is steeped in cynicism, as he sees himself as a necessary player in a system rife with exploitation. He contrasts the old Soviet regime’s stagnation with the dynamic but treacherous capitalism of modern Russia, where courts and security services are as corrupt as the oligarchs. Ivanov believes his role as a middleman is justified, claiming he protects Russia’s resources from foreign exploitation while enriching himself. His arrogance is evident as he dismisses younger competitors and revels in his influence.
The chapter concludes with Ivanov’s assistant, Shvets, attending to his hungover boss. Ivanov’s headache and irritable demeanor hint at his deteriorating control, though he refuses to show weakness. Shvets mentions finalizing the gas contract and inquires about an upcoming mission to Beirut, subtly highlighting Ivanov’s dual role as both a businessman and a state security operative. The scene underscores the blurred lines between legality and criminality in Ivanov’s world, leaving the reader with a sense of impending intrigue.
FAQs
1. How does Rapp use psychological tactics to extract information from Dorfman, and what does this reveal about Dorfman’s character?
Answer:
Rapp employs psychological pressure by threatening to harm Dorfman’s dog, a deliberate strategy to exploit the banker’s emotional vulnerability. The text states, “Rapp cradled the dog’s head in his arms and slowly started moving the blade toward the poodle’s left eye,” which forces Dorfman to relent and open the safe. This reveals Dorfman’s prioritization of his dog over his own safety or moral principles, highlighting his skewed values. Rapp’s muttered observation—”You care more about that damn dog than you do your wife”—further underscores Dorfman’s moral ambiguity and emotional weaknesses, key traits that make him susceptible to manipulation.2. Analyze the significance of Hurley’s discovery of Nazi memorabilia in Dorfman’s safe. How does this detail deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters and themes?
Answer:
Hurley’s discovery of an “SS dagger and insignia” in Dorfman’s safe serves as a symbolic indictment of the banker’s corrupt allegiances. The items tie Dorfman to historical atrocities, reinforcing the theme of moral decay among powerful figures who enable terrorism. Hurley’s remark—”Nazi prick”—frames Dorfman as a continuation of oppressive systems, while Rapp’s sarcastic quip (“A poodle-loving Nazi who helps terrorists”) juxtaposes absurdity with evil. This detail deepens the irony of Dorfman’s hypocrisy: he shows tenderness toward his dog but collaborates with violent extremists, illustrating the banality of evil in the novel’s world.3. Compare Ivanov’s perspective on post-Soviet Russia to the tactics used by Rapp and Hurley. What broader commentary does the chapter make about power and corruption?
Answer:
Ivanov views post-Soviet Russia as a lawless frontier where power is wielded through coercion and financial leverage, akin to “The Godfather” or the “Wild West.” He boasts about his ability to “make problems go away” for foreign investors, mirroring Rapp and Hurley’s extralegal methods (e.g., torturing Dorfman for information). Both scenarios critique systemic corruption: Ivanov’s exploitation of Russia’s “inefficient” courts parallels the CIA operatives’ vigilante justice. The chapter suggests that power, whether in espionage or capitalism, often operates outside moral boundaries, with characters justifying brutality as necessary for control or profit.4. What role does symbolism play in the juxtaposition of Dorfman’s dog and Ivanov’s reference to The Godfather?
Answer:
The dog symbolizes Dorfman’s misplaced humanity—his capacity for love is reserved for an animal, not his wife or victims of terrorism. In contrast, Ivanov’s Godfather reference frames power as performative and transactional. Both symbols expose hypocrisy: Dorfman’s affection for his poodle contrasts with his Nazi ties, while Ivanov romanticizes organized crime to justify his corruption. The dog and film reference together highlight how characters construct moral facades to obscure their violence or greed, a recurring theme in the chapter’s exploration of deception and identity.5. Evaluate the ethical dilemmas presented in the chapter. How do Rapp and Ivanov justify their actions, and what does this suggest about their worldviews?
Answer:
Rapp justifies torturing Dorfman as a means to stop terrorism (“You knew exactly who you were dealing with”), framing it as utilitarian sacrifice. Ivanov rationalizes his corruption as a “natural extension” of state security, claiming he protects Russia’s resources from exploitation. Both appeals to higher purposes—national security or economic stability—reveal a cynical worldview where ends justify means. However, Rapp’s hesitation (“Rapp wasn’t sure he had the stomach for this”) hints at residual morality, while Ivanov’s narcissism (e.g., boasting about his “10 percent ownership”) shows unchecked ambition. The chapter suggests such justifications are fragile masks for self-interest or institutionalized violence.
Quotes
1. ““Left eye or right eye? You choose.””
This chilling quote captures Rapp’s ruthless interrogation tactic, using psychological torture (threatening the banker’s dog) to achieve his mission objectives. It exemplifies the morally ambiguous tactics employed in counterterrorism operations.
2. ““You care more about that damn dog than you do your wife… don’t you?””
This revealing statement highlights the banker’s twisted priorities and serves as a commentary on how some individuals value possessions over human relationships, even while facilitating terrorism.
3. ““Today things were dynamic. Money was to be made everywhere, and lots of it.””
This quote encapsulates Ivanov’s perspective on post-Soviet Russia, portraying it as a lawless capitalist free-for-all where former Soviet officials like himself have transitioned into oligarchs and power brokers.
4. ““It was The Godfather, the Wild West, and 1920s gangster America all rolled into one.””
This vivid analogy perfectly summarizes the chaotic, corrupt environment of modern Russia as seen through Ivanov’s eyes, drawing parallels to organized crime systems throughout history.
5. ““Someone needed to keep track of all these foreign investors and make sure they weren’t stealing the Motherland’s natural resources.””
This quote reveals Ivanov’s self-justification for his corrupt practices, showing how he rationalizes his exploitation as patriotic duty - a common theme among post-Soviet oligarchs.