I think maybe where Lee went wrong was seeking knowledge and experience for other people. Several characters state from the very beginning that they don't really know what's up with Lee because he has this smirk, or he won't explain himself, and he's overall very ambiguous. I've always thought that he does everything for the shock value instead of self fulfillment. This may be partially to blame for Lee's naivete and inability to understand any point of view outside of his own.

When he goes to Russia is a double double double (whatever) agent, or at least he wants to be. And, it's not because he believes in one cause or the other, he just likes being important. Can you really have a fulfilling life if all of your accomplishments are based around impressing the rest of the world? This is my problem with Lee, because I don't think you can. I don't see him as his own person, he's more of a tool. It's also why I see him as childish, because mostly children seek the approval of others in this way (they'll do anything to get a reaction and anything to get affirmation )

Being sympathetic

Throughout class discussion people have expressed sympathy for complex characters like Lee and Ferrie, but have gotten annoy with Marguerite and the like. I somewhat understand this point of view, although I do not agree with it. Much of the sympathy that Lee gets is because he doesn't really know what he's getting into. Lee gets played and used and doesn't take responsibility for his actions. While I will admit that he was used, I do not think he is faultless. The phrase "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" comes to mind. Lee is, to put it bluntly (and the way my friends and I see him," a grown a** man. Repeatedly he puts himself into situation where he doesn't consider the repercussions, gets mad when he is penalized and treated like any other person would, and then won't own up to his actions. This is juvenile, it is naive, and it is unfair to those who deal with him. For this reason, I do not particularly sympathize with him. At a certain point everyone must grow up and everyone must learn how to take care of themselves.

Lee's mother is a more sympathetic character I think. At the end she does get a little nonsensical, a little crazy. I don't see that as a reason to find her annoying though. She just lost her son who is now hated by the country, she found out she has a grandchild that was hidden from her, and she doesn't even get the closure of a proper funeral service because everyone hates her son so much. I don't know everyone's family history, or who you love that you've lost, but funerals are not always a logical place. Just personally, I don't expect anyone to behave calmly or keep everything together at funerals. Honestly I don't really think Marguerite is that out of line.