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?

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay about the role of dreams in Neil Gaiman's novel. Shadow has a dream nearly every chapter. Who are the recurring figures in these dreams, and what messages do they deliver? Describe how these dreams serve to foreshadow events and drop clues for the reader? At any point, does the dream logic find its way into the waking hours of Shadow's life? How does Shadow as a character react to these dreams? Does he question their validity?

Essay Topic 3

The question of human sacrifice's validity as a divine rite emerges in several different forms throughout the novel. Gaiman's opinions regarding it seem conflicted. Write an essay on the topic of human-sacrifice, focusing on three instances of it throughout the novel:

Part 1) Write a paragraph about the arrival of the Vikings in America. Why do they build a hall to Odin as soon as they arrive, and how is their killing of a scraeling connected to this celebration of Odin? What purpose does it serve within the framework of this group's faith? In the end, how do the Vikings suffer as a result of this sacrifice?

Part 2) Why does Shadow choose to sacrifice his life for Wednesday? What does he intend to achieve, and does he succeed? Write a paragraph on this topic, noting the arguments against self-sacrifice made to him on the tree. How does he respond to these entreaties?

Part 3) What is Richie Hinzelmann's connection with human sacrifice? Why does he partake in this practice? In this paragraph, include Shadow's reaction to Hinzelmann's activity. What does this reaction say about the author's feelings about human sacrifice?

(see the answer keys)

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