​Compare and contrast Odysseus’ visit to Hades in Odyssey, Book 11, with that of Aeneas’ descent to the Underworld in Aeneid, Book 6 and Dante’s descent in Inferno. Specifically: ​1. What crisis causes these characters to undertake the journey? 2. How do these characters prepare for the journey? ​3. What is the purpose of their journey? ​4. Who guides them through the land of the dead and how? 5. Whom do they meet while there and how are the encounters narrated? (choose a few significant encounters for each) ​6. Which regions do they visit and which do they avoid? 7. How does their visit change their respective attitudes towards themselves, their past and their future?