View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many days would it take a mortal man to travel as far as Gilgamesh and Enkidu cover in fifty double hours?

2. What does Gilgamesh do that awakens Humbaba?

3. How many layers of armor does Humbaba usually wear?

4. What does Enkidu do with the animals he finds in the woods?

5. What is the name of the city Gilgamesh builds?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Gilgamesh's character.

2. When Utnapishtim wakes Gilgamesh after seven days what does he tell him to do? Where does Urshanabi take Gilgamesh?

3. When Enkidu tells Gilgamesh about Humbaba the demon is he trying to warn Gilgamesh? Why does Gilgamesh not listen?

4. Describe Gilgamesh's actions following the beheading of Humbaba.

5. What does Ninsun wear to pray to Shamash? Why does she dress this way?

6. Why is Enkidu able to admit his fears openly while Gilgamesh cannot?

7. Describe Ekidnu's character.

8. What does Enkidu already know about death because of his upbringing in the wilderness?

9. Discuss why Gilgamesh has such a difficult time dealing with Enkidu's death.

10. Describe Enkidu's relationship with the shepherds.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Enkidu and Gilgamesh are preparing to leave to battle Humbaba, no one offers advice to Enkidu. Ninsun cautions Enkidu to look after her son and see him back safely. The elders and townspeople do not seem worried about Enkidu's welfare or chances of survival. How do you interpret this scene? Is Enkidu ignored because the people are confident in his ability? Or would counseling Enkidu detract from the importance of Gilgamesh's journey?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss fear as it is used in the story. Gilgamesh is afraid to admit when he is afraid but he cries after hearing the elders' description of Humbaba. Enkidu is not afraid to voice his concerns. Enkidu seems to understand that fear can be a positive attribute for a man. Is fear a positive attribute in a hero?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,005 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample