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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. Why is Urshanabi banished from the place for all time?

2. When Utnapishtim was mortal, what job did he have?,

3. What does the scorpion-man urge Gilgamesh to do?

4. How is Gilgamesh treated by Utnapishtim?

5. How many straight poles must Gilgamesh cut down?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Chapter Nine begin?

2. What does Sabitu explain to Gilgamesh that he will find on the shore?

3. How does Utnapishtim's wife describe Gilgamesh?

4. What does the boatman say to Gilgamesh, regarding his quest?

5. How does Gilgamesh respond to this dream? What happens to Enkidu?

6. After Gilgamesh tells his story, how does Utnapishtim respond?

7. How does Gilgamesh lose the magic weed?

8. How does the wine maiden, Sabitu, react to Gilgamesh's appearance?

9. Why is the crow sent out? Why does it not return?

10. How long does the storm last? What happens when the water begins to recede?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This story serves a purpose.

Part 1) What purpose does it serve?

Part 2) How might those hearing or reading this story when it was first created react to it differently than readers today? Why?

Part 3) Why is this considered an epic? Are there any stories in your culture that you would consider epics? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The goddess Ishtar is initially enraged by the battle between Humbaba and the two men.

Part 1) Why is she enraged by the battle? How is her opinion changed?

Part 2) How does this change in her attitude reflect her personality?

Part 3) How does this change in her behavior affect the two men and the plot? How might the story have been different if her attitude regarding Gilgamesh had not changed?

Essay Topic 3

Enkidu agrees to do as the elders request, regarding Gilgamesh.

Part 1) What do they request? Why do they request this?

Part 2) Why does Enkidu agree to this request? What does this reveal about his character?

Part 3) How is this decision by Enkidu significant to the characters and the plot?

Part 4) What message does Enkidu's decision send to the reader?

(see the answer keys)

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