1. Which aspects of the book make Mars appear believable, and which give it a fantastical feel?

2. What motivates most settlers to return to an Earth devastated by nuclear conflict?

3. Do you understand the Martians' hostile reaction to the first Earth emissaries? Why or why not?

4. What drives Spender to murder his fellow crew members in "And the Moon Be Still As Bright"? How likely is it that his plan to slow down—and eventually stop—the space program will succeed? Why is the captain prepared to kill Spender, despite everything he knows? Is this story a pivotal moment in The Martian Chronicles?

5. What is the meaning behind the names given to towns, rivers, and cemeteries in "The Naming of Names"?

6. Who is the most well-developed Martian character in the book? Who is the most well-developed human character? Do the two characters share any similarities?

7. Examine the theme of nostalgia in "The Third Expedition" and "The Martian." What message is Bradbury conveying about people's connection to the past in these stories?