1. Are there parallels between how children are treated in The Star Pit and how children are treated in real life?

What seems to be Delany's purpose in depicting such characters in his novel?

2. What would a procreation group be like? Would members have different duties? Are there any parallels to procreation groups in the United States?

3. How do drugs affect children and young adults? Are some children, like Alegra, born with addictions?

4. Do real-life adults ever deliberately make children drug addicts? For what purposes? What are their lives like? How long do they live?

5. Is Vyme a realistic depiction of an alcoholic man? Do alcoholics have problems similar to Vyme's?