1. More than once, Doc MacRae compares Mars to the "Old West" in America.

Why? Are the comparisons valid? What do they add to the story?

2. Compare the colonization effort on Mars with other colonization efforts in history. How does the colonists' treatment of the Martians differ from other colonists' treatment of native populations?

3. One character points out that it took white civilization a long time to understand Native American civilization.

Focus on one Native American tribe and its struggles with the U.S. government, and compare this situation to the lack of understanding between races described in Red Planet.

4. What does Red Planet have to say about the necessity of leaving good friends as one grows older? Compare this theme in Red Planet to the same theme in another book you have read.

5. Write a short story or description of...