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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. Who do the elders send to protect Gilgamesh?

2. Who interprets Gilgamesh's dreams?

3. What does Enkidu forget when he is sitting before the courtesan?

4. Who is Ninsun?

5. What is the name of the temple where Gilgamesh and Enkidu go to pray?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss how Gilgamesh's desire to seek out Utnapishtim at all costs creates an immortal legend for the hero.

2. Describe the battle between Enkidu and Gilgamesh.

3. Describe Gilgamesh's attitude towards the journey to the forest.

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

5. Why must Gilgamesh confront the demon as soon as they arrive at the cedar forest?

6. Describe the disappointment awaiting Gilgamesh when he finally meets Utnapishtim.

7. How does Enkidu describe the gate to the cedar forest?

8. Describe the bull of heaven.

9. Describe the only available way to cross to Utnapishtim.

10. Describe Ekidnu's character.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Tablet 2, the author notes that Enkidu listened to the courtesan's advice and took the words of a woman to heart. There is an ominous connotation to these lines. A man who took the words of a woman seriously was not viewed as intelligent. Discuss the implications for Enkidu's life since he is now listening to the courtesan's advice on how to live his life. Relate your discussion to Enkidu's later illness and the curse, followed by the blessing, he calls down upon the courtesan.

Essay Topic 2

Siduri tells Gilgamesh that the only way to cross the sea is with Utnapishtim's boatman. The sea that he must cross are waters of death. Death is what Gilgamesh is most afraid of. Discuss the significance of Gilgamesh desiring to cross the sea of death in order to find the way to immortality.

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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