Alexis draws on ancient Greek historians Herodotus and Thucydides, who framed the study of history as an inquiry into human nature and luck. What is Alexis inquiring into through Hermes and Apollo’s bet and the dogs’ experiences? Draw on at least three specific examples in your discussion.

Fifteen of Prince’s poems appear in the text. What do they symbolize? How do they relate to other dogs? Analyze at least two poems in detail during your discussion.

To what extent do the dogs’ personal experiences with humans shape their attitudes towards humans and human intelligence? Discuss at least three of the dogs in your discussion.