Stieg Larsson summer reading challenge - Book I

First of all, thank you for joining the Stieg Larsson summer reading challenge!

If you are not familiar with it, you can find all info here. You can sign up until September, 10th 2011!

To qualify for the prize draw, please answer at least 3 out of the following 10 questions, courtesy of Random House Inc.,
About.com and Barnes & Noble.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

1) Who do you consider the novel's protagonist, Lisbeth or Mikael? Why?

2) What function do the sex-crime statistics on each section's title page serve?

3) Henrik tells Mikael, "If there's one thing I've learned, it's never engage in a fight you're sure to lose. On the other hand, never let anyone who has insulted you get away with it. Bide your time and strike back when you're in a position of strength—even if you no longer need to strike back." Over the course of the novel, who puts this advice to the best use? How, and why?

4) Lisbeth says her new tattoo is "a reminder." Of what?

5) Several times in the novel, Mikael's journalistic ethics are challenged. Do you consider him to be ethical?

6) Blackmail is used several times in the novel, for different ends. Who uses it most effectively, and why?

7) Why do you think Blomkvist decided not to publish the truth about Martin Vanger? Do you think he did the right thing?

8) What did you make of the final scene of the book, where Salander saw Blomkvist with Erica Berger? Had you hoped that Salander and Blomkvist would stay together?

9) In Swedish, the title was Men who Hate Women, but it was changed to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo when it was translated to English. Which do you think is a more fitting title?

10) The narrative contained a number of plot twists. Who did you imagine sent the framed flowers to Vanger each year?

Please send your answers via this link. Thank you!