"The Star" is an example of an interior monologue. Do you think that the narrator's doubts heighten the suspense of the ending? Do his doubts detract from the suspense?

The story looks at the idea that humanity is central to God's plan for the universe. Does this plan seem fair to other civilizations which may inhabit the universe?

The narrator mentions that humans have found traces of other long-dead civilizations, but have never made contact with a living alien race. Does this make the story more believable? Less believable? Why? Would knowledge that other races of sentient beings exist in the universe tend to strengthen or weaken traditional Christian tenets of faith? Why?

The story ends with reference to the star of Bethlehem. Is it necessary that the reader be Christian in order to feel the impact of the ending? Why or...