1. Stevenson writes with disgust about America's treatment of Native Americans, yet he rides the railroad that was built through tribal lands. Does this make Stevenson a hypocrite?

2. Why does Murphy continue to use the word emigrant instead of immigrant to describe people migrating to the United States even long after they have journeyed on the railroad into the heart of America?

3. What are the best illustrations in Across America on an Emigrant Train? What makes them good?

4. Stevenson quickly makes friends and almost as quickly loses them, probably never to see them again. How does Stevenson react to this?

5. How does Stevenson's journey effect him physically? How does this influence his perceptions?

6. What aspect of America seems to interest Stevenson the most? What does this suggest about his character?

7. Murphy provides much historical background to his account of Stevenson's trip. How helpful to understanding...