The Mark of the Dragonfly

The competition for resources in The Mark of the Dragonfly takes many forms. Aside from the rivalry among the leaders of the kingdoms, give three examples where characters compete for resources and explain their reasons for doing so. 

What is Gee’s principal motivation in life? How might his early experiences have led him to embrace this set of values?

Machines of all kinds feature prominently in the novel. Other than the train and Anna, think of several other examples. How do they make the lives of the people better or worse?