Burton and Goring are the two characters in the novel that have been based on actual historical figures. Discuss why the author may have made these choices and the progression of their relationship throughout the novel. Are they friends by the end, or is their relationship more complicated? What leads Goring to the guilt and suffering he caused on Earth? Was it just the dreamgum, or was it something deeper in his personality?

Burton has many conversations about the nature of human cruelty with other characters in the novel. Discuss Burton's own opinion of the subject. Is he correct in his assumptions about human nature? If so, what about Collop's point of view? Is Collop right that Burton could do with more spiritual development, or is Burton right to distrust the Ethicals and their experiment?

Why does Burton threaten to torture Spruce if he...