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?

Essay Topic 2

The belief systems that Neil Gaiman dramatically explores over the course of his novel existed before the sexual was painted as sinful. As such, many of the modern interactions with gods are of a distinctly sexual nature. Write an essay about sex as a divine act in American Gods, focusing on three instances. Part 1) Bilquis is introduced to the reader as a prostitute in Los Angeles. What odd occurrence happens when she picks up a john in this early passage? What does this occurrence say about the nature of sexuality in that belief system? Should it be feared? Is it a passage to complete immersion into the divine?

Part 2) What is the role of the sexual in the passage involving the jinn? How does his encounter with Slim the salesman end in a religious experience? Do you as a reader consider this experience to be essentially positive or negative? How does sexuality bond this spirit and this man completely and in a transformative way?

Part 3) Describe the one distinctly sexual dream that Shadow has over the course of the novel. Who does it involve? How does Shadow decide to make love to this individual? What occurs in Shadow's waking life that intimates to him that this was more than a mere dream?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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