Beggars in Spain

How does the meaning—both literal and symbolic—of the term “beggars” shift over the course of the novel?

What does Leisha mean when she cites the Aristotle quote about equality and revolution in her conversation with Hawke on Page 139? In the context of the novel, who are the “equals” in the quote, and to whom do they wish to become superior?

What is your reaction to the class system of Livers and Donkeys established in Book 3? While this is an extreme example of social engineering, do you think something like this could ever work in real life? Or would it be doomed to fail? 

While Hawke's We-Sleep movement is built on resentment from below, and Jennifer's Sanctuary movement on resentment from above, they are also alike in many ways. What are the similarities and differences between the two movements? And what political groups—both throughout history and today—do these movements resemble to you?

How does each Abraham Lincoln quote at the beginning of each Book relate to the broader narrative and themes?

Explain the role dreams play in the novel. Why is Leisha disturbed by her experience with Drew's dream machine, while Miri is inspired by it?

Why do you think Miri calls her resistance group “the Beggars”? What does this name say about Miri's attitude toward both Jennifer and the beggars on Earth whom Jennifer so frequently maligns?

What do you think is the author's attitude toward technology like human genetic modification or conquering the need to sleep? Is she hostile to them or is her attitude more nuanced? To what extent are the negative consequences of these technologies the result of existing social inequalities as opposed to technology itself?