1. Who was Darwin? What voyage did he make? Is van Vogt drawing any comparisons between the journey of his character Grosvenor and the voyage that Darwin made? What were the goals of Darwin and Grosvenor, and what did they achieve during their travels?

2. The process of democratic elections being held aboard the Space Beagle during the course of this novel are more reminiscent of votes held aboard pirate ships in the Caribbean and the South Seas than like the power structure in the ships of the British Navy. Are the explorers on this spacecraft really privateers seeking plunder and personal gain, or are they soldiers on a reconnaissance mission? Explain.

3. Grosvenor behaves as though he wishes to be treated like a scientist and scholar, dedicated to sharing knowledge and learning whatever he can. Does he actually live up to the...