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History
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Essay
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English (U.S.)
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Topic:
Fundamental Ideas Gilgamesh Learns in the Course of His Epic
Essay Instructions:
Avoid using the first person, DO NOT DO PLOT SUMMARY; please indicate the page# in reference.
Please rewrite the essay that I uploaded, just stick with the point of the connection between humanity and mortality.
I will also upload a more detailed prompt.
1) Gilgamesh clearly undergoes several changes in his view of mortality over the course of the epic.
Prompt: What is/are the fundamental idea(s) that he learns in the course of this epic?
• Avoid oversimplifications such as ‘he is mortal and that is just his lot.’ He already knows this at the beginning. You’ll definitely want to consider each change that Gilgamesh undergoes, what prompts each change, and what, in each case, he learns. Be sure to consider the prologue’s material as evidence for what he does upon his return to Uruk after he leaves Uta-napishti’s land.
Essay Sample Content Preview:
Fundamental Ideas that Gilgamesh learns in the course of his Epic
Arrogant and inhuman are the best terms to describe Gilgamesh before he faces life-changing events that alter his perception of mortality. Gilgamesh acts like a god with little humanity within him. Ironically, Gilgamesh's quest for immortality is steered by fear. Changes that Gilgamesh goes through include forming a friendship with Enkidu, Killing Humbaba, and his quest for immortality. The Epic of Gilgamesh portrays different themes: struggle, power, inhumanity, friendship, murder, and immortality.
Meeting Enkidu is one of the most significant changes in the life of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh generally has no friends, and everyone around him describes him as terrific, rude, and unkind. It is easier for Gilgamesh and Enkidu to form a friendship since they are almost equally gifted (Epic of Gilgamesh, p.17). Enkidu and Gilgamesh are like giants of equal measure, with almost equal capabilities. Their friendship seems significantly productive since they rely on each other's might to overpower and slay their enemies (EG, p. 25). With time, Gilgamesh's inhumanity and lack of regard for mortal men and women are softened, following his high regard towards Enkidu. Enkidu is important for Gilgamesh, just like Gilgamesh is important for Enkidu. This way, their relationship grows and becomes stronger than the roots of old trees in the forest and beyond. Gilgamesh has several aspects of learning from his friendship with Enkidu. First, he masters how to express care and concern, as his heart learns how to love and honor someone (EG, p.27). Secondly, he masters humility. Enkidu is a warrior and has faced the worst dangers, yet he appears to fear Humbaba (EG, p.19). While Gilgamesh displays a strong expression and certainty about his potential and ability to destroy Humbaba, Enkidu expresses his fears and doubt. This certainly shocks Gilgamesh, who is aware of Enkidu's potential, having bushman experience (EG, p.19).
Another change that Gilgamesh goes through in his Epic is killing Humbaba. The people of Uruk know Humbaba as an evil man (EG, p.38). Consequently, Gilgamesh's behavior is also known as displeasing, and he is feared and must be understood with contempt by most people from Uruk. However, the combat with Humbaba, which leads to his conquer and defeat, stands as an achievement and act of power for the 'evil' Gilgamesh (EG, p.39). Killing the troublesome Humbaba earns him a good name in his city, where people start seeing him as a savior, not a destroyer and inhuman leader. He portrays the energy of a dedicated soldier and servant who protects and honors his people. One main factor that prompts Gilgamesh to slay Humbaba is his love and honor for Enkidu. Gilgamesh learns to be more humane, including what it means to protect his people against treacherous figures (EG, p.47).
Gilgamesh is left broken after Enkidu passes away. Brokenness and fear are natural responses to grief, loss, and pain. Gilgamesh proves to be emotionally dependent and strong in how he handles his best friend's death. He finally decides to go on a quest for immortality. Even th...
Arrogant and inhuman are the best terms to describe Gilgamesh before he faces life-changing events that alter his perception of mortality. Gilgamesh acts like a god with little humanity within him. Ironically, Gilgamesh's quest for immortality is steered by fear. Changes that Gilgamesh goes through include forming a friendship with Enkidu, Killing Humbaba, and his quest for immortality. The Epic of Gilgamesh portrays different themes: struggle, power, inhumanity, friendship, murder, and immortality.
Meeting Enkidu is one of the most significant changes in the life of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh generally has no friends, and everyone around him describes him as terrific, rude, and unkind. It is easier for Gilgamesh and Enkidu to form a friendship since they are almost equally gifted (Epic of Gilgamesh, p.17). Enkidu and Gilgamesh are like giants of equal measure, with almost equal capabilities. Their friendship seems significantly productive since they rely on each other's might to overpower and slay their enemies (EG, p. 25). With time, Gilgamesh's inhumanity and lack of regard for mortal men and women are softened, following his high regard towards Enkidu. Enkidu is important for Gilgamesh, just like Gilgamesh is important for Enkidu. This way, their relationship grows and becomes stronger than the roots of old trees in the forest and beyond. Gilgamesh has several aspects of learning from his friendship with Enkidu. First, he masters how to express care and concern, as his heart learns how to love and honor someone (EG, p.27). Secondly, he masters humility. Enkidu is a warrior and has faced the worst dangers, yet he appears to fear Humbaba (EG, p.19). While Gilgamesh displays a strong expression and certainty about his potential and ability to destroy Humbaba, Enkidu expresses his fears and doubt. This certainly shocks Gilgamesh, who is aware of Enkidu's potential, having bushman experience (EG, p.19).
Another change that Gilgamesh goes through in his Epic is killing Humbaba. The people of Uruk know Humbaba as an evil man (EG, p.38). Consequently, Gilgamesh's behavior is also known as displeasing, and he is feared and must be understood with contempt by most people from Uruk. However, the combat with Humbaba, which leads to his conquer and defeat, stands as an achievement and act of power for the 'evil' Gilgamesh (EG, p.39). Killing the troublesome Humbaba earns him a good name in his city, where people start seeing him as a savior, not a destroyer and inhuman leader. He portrays the energy of a dedicated soldier and servant who protects and honors his people. One main factor that prompts Gilgamesh to slay Humbaba is his love and honor for Enkidu. Gilgamesh learns to be more humane, including what it means to protect his people against treacherous figures (EG, p.47).
Gilgamesh is left broken after Enkidu passes away. Brokenness and fear are natural responses to grief, loss, and pain. Gilgamesh proves to be emotionally dependent and strong in how he handles his best friend's death. He finally decides to go on a quest for immortality. Even th...
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