1. People's problems in science fiction frequently have parallels to those in our own world. Explain how some of Menolly's problems resemble those faced by young people today.

2. The legends and landscape of Ireland influenced the author's design of the planet Pern. Describe some of Pern's geographic, occupational, and social features which have an Irish "feel." In what ways have they been changed to create a unique setting?

3. Imagine how you would make Dragonsong into a movie. Would you use live actors or animation? If you were photographing it, where would you film the scenes of Menolly's stay along the sea-cliffs, and of the dragonriders' Weyr? Who would play the main characters? How would you show the bond which develops between Menolly and her fire lizards?

4. Pern's society is divided into three "estates": Holds, Weyrs, and Crafts.

Describe how each operates...