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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. How does Enkidu feel about the journey into the forest?

2. Who do the elders counsel Gilgamesh to let lead the way?

3. To whom do the people of Uruk pray?

4. Humbaba promises to be Gilgamesh's what if left alive?

5. Who do the elders send to protect Gilgamesh?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe Gilgamesh's dreams.

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

6. Describe Ekidnu's character.

7. Why is Urshanabi prevented from immediately conducting Gilgamesh across the sea?

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

9. What does Shamash say to Enkidu after Enkidu curses the courtesan?

10. Describe where the Gilgamesh tablets are found and who found them.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Repetition of words, phrases, or even scenes is common in the Epic. In Tablet 9 when Gilgamesh is traveling through the the mountain pass at Mashu the lines are repeated telling how many double hours Gilgamesh journeys, that the darkness is dense and that he cannot see in front of or behind him. Discuss the effect the repetition has on this scene.

Essay Topic 2

Boasts and oaths before battle are common in epics. Gilgamesh offers such a boast before he battles Humbaba. Discuss the elements of the heroic boast. Why are such boasts performed? To what narrative technique are boasts similar?

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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