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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. By what phrase does Enkidu refer to Ninsun?

2. What falls to the earth in Gilgamesh's dream?

3. What two things does Enkidu do that make him like a man?

4. What do the people of Uruk say about Enkidu when they first see him?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the procession that sees Gilgamesh off on his adventure.

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

3. Describe the fight between Enlil and Shamash over which man will die - Gilgamesh or Enkidu.

4. Describe Gilgamesh's lamentations for Enkidu.

5. Describe Gilgamesh's journey through the mountain paths of Mashu.

6. What does Enkidu counsel Gilgamesh to do with Humbaba and why?

7. How does Gilgamesh's decision to journey to Utnapishtim provide evidence that he still has not matured and continues to act rashly?

8. Describe the items Isthar promises Gilgamesh if he will become her husband.

9. Describe Ekidnu's character.

10. Why are the gods responsible for creating a second man to be a counterpart to Gilgamesh?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Tablet 3, Gilgamesh talks about the fleetness of man's life. In Tablet 7, Enkidu laments that he is dying a disgraceful death instead of on the battlefield. The importance of a man's deeds, how he dies, and the way he is remembered are significant themes to the Epic and other heroic tales. Discuss this theme in relation to Gilgamesh. How do his rash deeds lead to a heroic life and deeds remembered? How do Gilgamesh's actions affect Enkidu's life so that he must die a disgraceful death? Does one man have to sacrifice others in order to gain notoriety for himself?

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

Discuss Tablet 5, Column 4, Line 6 which reads, "His tears [gushed forth] in streams." To whom does the line refer? Shamash was speaking in the lines just prior to this line. Gilgamesh is speaking in Line 7. There is no clear indication who is crying or why. Gilgamesh may be crying tears of joy because Humbaba has been defeated. Enkidu may be crying for no apparent reason. Humbaba, the demon, may even be crying because he has been defeated. Discuss the line and who you think could be the party responsible for crying.

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