The Afterlife Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Afterlife Topics for Further Study

Divide into groups. Each group takes a major religion or ideology represented in Collins' poem (e.g., Hinduism, Christianity, feminism, etc.) and researches its position on the afterlife. Present your findings to the class and then discuss what Collins' representations leave out.

Take a class poll, asking students which stanza was most difficult to understand. Have students who understand particular stanzas explain them to those who do not.

Take a vote. Which of Collins' descriptions of the afterlife seems most appealing and why? Discuss as a class.

Make a list of what you want for your own afterlife and then write a short essay analyzing those criteria for what they say about your values and how you live.

Research the stories of those who have died and then come back to life. How do they describe their experience? Are there any elements these stories share in common?...
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