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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 does Gilgamesh ask to bring him a dream? Or another reference for Shamash?

2. How many hours do Gilgamesh and Enkidu walk in one day?

3. What is the name of the god to whom Ninsun prays?

4. What happens to Enkidu's hand when he tries to open the gate?

5. The elders tell Gilgamesh that he is young and __________ has carried him away in proposing to battle Humbaba.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Gilgamesh decide to find and why does he wish to talk to this person/thing?

2. Describe Enkidu's relationship with the shepherds.

3. After hearing about Ishtar's many lovers, what type of woman/goddess do you think she is?

4. Describe the battle between Enkidu and Gilgamesh.

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

6. Who does Gilgamesh command to mourn for Enkidu? How long does Gilgamesh mourn?

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

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

9. Discuss why Enkidu is angered by news of the celebration in Uruk.

10. Describe the monument Gilgamesh has constructed in Enkidu's honor. What precious stones are used? Why are these stones chosen?

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

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

Discuss the role of women in the Gilgamesh epic. The courtesan functions to lead Enkidu out of the woods and introduce him to civilization. This could be considered a good event or a bad event. Ishtar becomes enraged when Gilgamesh spurns her love. Ishtar does not easily let her anger go and calls down terrible curses on Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

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