Journal Odyssey books 11-12
For books 11 and 12, choose one of the following:
- When Odysseus goes to the land of the Shades, he sees many different 'shades' or spirits of the dead. Describe his meeting with two of the shades that seem the most interesting to you. Explain why you chose these two and what Odysseus learns from them. Give your opinion of what type of people they are and why you feel that way. Also explain for what overall didactic purpose they might have been included in the book.
- Odysseus talks to several male shades as well as a single female shade. They have very different stories to relate. Describe the male shades' feelings about men and women in general,and contrast them with the perspect of the female shade. Why would Tiresius, who has been both man and woman, be the ideal guide in this world of shades?