1. Critics have called Have Space Suit—Will Travela bildungsroman. What do they mean and how does this novel fit the definition?

2. On Vega V, Kip is told that "democracy [is] a very good system, for beginners." What is the political system on Vega and how, if at all, is it superior to democracy?

3. The intergalactic trial concludes that the human race is guilty of "savagery, combined with superior intelligence." What is said in defense of humans? Do you agree or disagree with the judges? Why?

4. Discuss the relationships between male and female characters in this novel.

5. Referring to Ace Quigley, Mr. Charton wonders to what extent civilization is retarded by "the laughing jackasses, the empty-minded belittlers." Is this a fair assessment of the people Ace represents? To what degree is Ace a product of his environment?