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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. What other people try to discourage Gilgamesh from undertaking his voyage to engage Humbaba?
2. What does Gilgamesh say will happen if Humbaba kills him?
3. What things do the shepherds teach Enkidu?
4. Line 42 at the end of Tablet 4 is called what kind of line?
5. Gilgamesh is ____________, while Enkidu is _____________.
Short Essay Questions
1. Compare and contrast Gilgamesh's insult to Ishtar with the one issued by Enkidu.
2. Describe the bull of heaven.
3. Enkidu is even more afraid when his hand becomes paralyzed after touching the forest gate. Describe the speech Gilgamesh makes to his friend to encourage him.
4. Describe what Enkidu sees in his dream of the underworld.
5. Why is it significant that Gilgamesh cannot stay awake to pass the test Utnapishtim sets before him?
6. After hearing about Ishtar's many lovers, what type of woman/goddess do you think she is?
7. Why do the scorpion people finally agree to let Gilgamesh pass through the gates into the mountain paths?
8. Why do the people of Uruk celebrate the axe in Gilgamesh's dream?
9. What effect do the missing lines of interpretation have on Gilgamesh's dreams?
10. What does Shamash say to Enkidu after Enkidu curses the courtesan?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
In Tablet 2, Column 3, Lines 10-14 the courtesan instructs Enkidu to eat the bread and drink the strong drink. Compare the wording of these lines to the words used in Christian communion ceremonies. There is a formulaic quality to the lines where the participant is instructed to "take and eat, take and drink." Are there any similarities between these lines? Gilgamesh is often compared with other Old Testament stories but the communion ritual comes from the last supper. Is there any evidence to support a connection between Gilgamesh and Christ's last supper?
Essay Topic 2
Gilgamesh begins lamenting for Enkidu at the earliest glimmer of morning light. When he walks the mountain paths he is in complete darkness but emerges into the radiant light of a garden. The emergence of a man from darkness into first light can be compared to rebirth and renewal. Consider these ideas and images while discussing Gilgamesh's grief process and Enkidu's burial.
Essay Topic 3
After the snake has stolen Gilgamesh's plant, the hero sits contemplating all that has befallen him. He wonders who he has done everything for and realizes that in the end all his rash actions have not gotten him anywhere. Gilgamesh returns to Uruk and stands on the wall overlooking his city. How do you think Gilgamesh views his city after his long journey? At the beginning of the story he viewed Uruk and the citizens as his personal playground and slaves. Do you think Gilgamesh has a new appreciation for the people and the beauty of Uruk?
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This section contains 1,152 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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