AMERICAN GODS is riddled with references to tricks and scams. These tricks - from grifts, to coin illusions, to an essential scam at the heart of the plot - reflect the untrustworthy nature of the old world gods. Write an essay about these scams, in three parts:

Part 1) Wednesday is a man of illusions and scams; he represents untruth. Write a paragraph about his various schemes, citing specific examples. Why does he scam others? What does he gain over the course of the novel? How does this connect with his true persona of Odin?

Part 2) What is the essential scam of AMERICAN GODS? What is the purpose of all the hardship and killing? Write a paragraph about the truth behind the lies spun in the name of a great battle. Contrast this truth with the reasons the more honest characters have chosen to fight.

Part 3) Write a summation paragraph dealing with the notion of the trickster god. Which trickster gods are represented in the novel, and who do they trick? To what extent are the the new gods less devious than the old ones?

Essay Topic 2

In many respects, the main character of Neil Gaiman's novel is America. In his understanding, the "melting pot" is a profoundly spiritual place because it has embraced so many different spirits. Write an essay on the topic of the novel as a treatise celebrating America's spiritual past. What faiths does the narrative encompass? What value does it assign each? Is one more important than the others? Do you think that Gaiman, a Brit, presents a largely positive or negative picture of America in AMERICAN GODS? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In the character of Shadow Moon, Neil Gaiman has created a protagonist that, perhaps for selfish reasons, represents absolute loyalty. He demonstrates this through his commitment to Wednesday's campaign. Write an essay about this commitment, in three parts:

Part 1) Early in the novel, Shadow goes to extreme lengths to bring Czernobog on board with Wednesday. What agreement does he make with the fearsome god? How does this seem completely foolhardy? How, in the end, is Shadow rewarded for his commitment to others?

Part 2) When Ibis and Jacquel deliver news that Wednesday had been killed, does Shadow hesitate in agreeing to sacrifice himself to resurrect the god? Write a paragraph about his choice, focusing on the entreaties made by others for him to reconsider? What does he have to gain from this decision, and what does he have to lose?

Part 3) Write a summation paragraph examining Shadow's state of mind when he meets Shadow. What does he have to live for? Does he ever consider ending his own life? In what respect would death be a relief to him, and do you believe this affects the decisions he makes regarding Wednesday's war campaign?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,235 words
(approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample

More summaries and resources for teaching or studying American Gods.

View all Lesson Plans available from BookRags.

Copyrights

BookRags