Although the couple are of Indian background, like the author, they have adopted many of the mannerisms of typical American tourists. What are some of these mannerisms? How do they affect the Indians who are observing them?

2. The driver has had experience with foreigners, but is he upset by some of the family manners he observes. What upsets him, in particular?

3. There are references in the story to things about the United States that they have all learned about through television. How much could a foreigner learn about the country by watching television programs? What gives us the impression that Indian viewers have only a tentative understanding of what they are watching?

4. What do the monkeys represent? Are they also related somehow to the past that the ruins symbolize?

5. Who is right about the importance of his job — the man, who within himself is dismayed at what he feels is the meaninglessness of what he does, or the woman, who finds his work “romantic”?

6. How do you account for the guide’s tailored clothes? Do you really understand him by the story’s end?

7. What does the guide’s surprise at being asked to share lunch with the family tell us about India?

8. Do you think that the author means the title of the story to be taken ironically?