Gilgamesh

What are the attributes and experiences of Gilgamesh? In the beginning is Gilgamesh a good “shepherd of the city”? Explain.

What are the attributes and experiences of Enkidu? How is he a “natural man”? How is he “tamed”? Interpret “Enkidu was grown weak, for wisdom was in him, and the thoughts of a man were in his heart” (65). What is the second stage in the civilizing of Enkidu – in the tents of the shepherds? What is the final stage – in Uruk?

What is the lesson about destiny that Enkidu interprets from Gilgamesh’s dream? Why does Enkidu grieve? How may the Forest Journey be a solution to the problem of mortality? What theme concerning the effect of city life recurs throughout Book Two? Who is Gilgamesh’s patron–god for this journey? How does the passage on their armor reflect an epic characteristic? What details depict Ninsun as more a human woman than a goddess – in particular, more a mother? Who is his “guardian god” (and his father)? What is Gilgamesh’s view of death in Book Two – especially in contrast to the elders and at the forest gate to Enkidu? What is the morality of Enkidu’s argument against Humbaba?

How is Ishtar’s behavior more typically human than divine? Is Gilgamesh’s approach wise? Explain. How just is the council of the gods as they debate Enkidu’s fate? How does Enkidu depict the Sumerian Underworld?

What reality hits Gilgamesh hard following the death of Enkidu? Explain Siduri’s philosophy of human life. How is Gilgamesh becoming a cause for his own tragedy? What is Utnapishtim’s answer to Gilgamesh’s question – so far as permanence is concerned?

Why do the gods decide to destroy mankind? What effect does the image of the gods gathering like flies over the sacrifice have?

What parting gift does Utnapishtim offer Gilgamesh? At whose urging? Why is it appropriate that it be prickly? How is it lost? Explain the symbolism.

What is the final answer to Gilgamesh’s quest – the meaning of his dream? What – if any – kind of immortality did he achieve?