1. Some readers suggest that the Conan stories are tainted by hints of racial prejudice against dark complexioned people. Is this a valid observation? How are people with dark skins portrayed in the Conan adventures? Are they portrayed as both good and evil, intelligent and stupid, strong and weak, courageous and cowardly, all of which would suggest that they are portrayed no differently than everyone else in the stories? Or are they consistently portrayed as only bad, stupid, weak, and cowardly or only good, intelligent, strong, and courageous, which would suggest bias on Howard's part? What are Conan's views on race?

2. How are women portrayed in The Hour of the Dragon? Which one is the most fully developed character? Which is the most helpful to Conan? Which is the most dangerous to him? Do you find any one of them interesting...