Who are "the People of Sparks"? Does the definition change by the story's end?

How does the author address the question of violence? Is violence ever justifiable?

How does Doon react to being treated unfairly? Does he act appropriately?

How does the author make the setting real to the reader?

Are the villagers in Sparks justified in their opinions of the Emberites? Why or why not?

Doon admires Tick Hassler at first, but changes his mind by the end of the story. What qualities does he decide he does not share with Tick?

Is Lina's vision of a grand city realistic? What does the ending of the story suggest?