The Epic of Gilgamesh: a Literary Analysis

Introduction

A. Hook: The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem, is considered one of the earliest and most influential works of literature.

B. Background Information: The epic is attributed to an unknown author and was written in cuneiform script on clay tablets in ancient Babylonian times, dating back to around 2100 BCE.

C. Thesis Statement: Through an analysis of the characters, themes, and cultural significance in the Epic of Gilgamesh, this essay aims to showcase its enduring relevance and artistic merit.

Analysis of Gilgamesh's Character

A. Description of Gilgamesh's qualities and characteristics: Gilgamesh is portrayed as a powerful and half-divine ruler who is arrogant and despotic, but also intelligent and courageous.

B. Analysis of Gilgamesh's transformation throughout the epic: Gilgamesh goes through a transformation after meeting Enkidu, his wild and primitive counterpart, which leads him on a journey of self-discovery and reflection.

C. Explanation of how Gilgamesh represents human nature and the struggles of mortality: Gilgamesh's quest for immortality represents the human desire to overcome death and achieve eternal life, but also the realization that such a goal is ultimately unattainable.

Analysis of Enkidu's Character

A. Description of Enkidu's qualities and characteristics: Enkidu is portrayed as a wild and primitive man who is later tamed and civilized after his encounter with a temple prostitute.

B. Analysis of Enkidu's impact on Gilgamesh's journey: Enkidu serves as a foil to Gilgamesh, representing his opposite and also his complement, and together they embark on an epic journey that tests their physical, mental, and emotional limits.

C. Examination of the significance of friendship and its role in the epic: The bond between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is a central theme in the epic, highlighting the importance of friendship and companionship in a world that can be lonely and cruel.

Exploration of Themes

A. Discussion of the theme of mortality and the search for immortality: The epic contains multiple references to death, grief, and mourning, as well as the desire to achieve eternal life through various means, such as the plant of rejuvenation or the myths of afterlife.

B. Analysis of the theme of power and its corrupting influence: Gilgamesh's thirst for power and control over his subjects is shown to be a destructive force, leading him to oppress and mistreat those around him, until he realizes the limitations of his own mortality.

C. Examination of the theme of the importance of human connections and relationships: The epic emphasizes the need for human connections and relationships, whether it is through the bond of friendship, the love between Gilgamesh and Ishtar, or the kinship between Gilgamesh and his father.

Comparison with Other Ancient Myths

A. Comparison of the themes and motifs present in the Epic of Gilgamesh with other ancient myths: Many of the themes and motifs found in the epic, such as the flood narrative, the hero's journey, and the search for immortality, can be traced to other ancient myths and legends, such as the biblical story of Noah and the Sumerian poem of Inanna.

B. Discussion of the similarities and differences between Gilgamesh and other mythological heroes: Gilgamesh shares many similarities with other mythological heroes, such as Hercules, Odysseus, and Beowulf, in their epic quests for glory, but also differs in his hybrid nature and cultural context.

C. Analysis of the cultural and historical implications of these similarities and differences: The similarities and differences between Gilgamesh and other mythological heroes reflect the cultural and historical context in which they were created, as well as the enduring human desire for heroism and immortality.

Conclusion

A. Restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points discussed in the essay: The Epic of Gilgamesh is a powerful and enduring work of literature that explores themes of mortality, friendship, and power through its complex characters and narrative.

B. Summarize the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh and its enduring relevance: The epic has influenced and inspired countless writers and artists throughout history, and continues to capture the imagination of readers today.

C. Offer a final thought or reflection on the impact of the epic on literature and human understanding: The Epic of Gilgamesh stands as a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the human condition, and to connect us across time and culture in our shared human experience.

1. Heidel, W. A. (1963). The Epic of Gilgamesh and Old Testament Parallels. University of Chicago Press.
2. Kovacs, M. D. (1989). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Stanford University Press.
3. Martinez, J. L. (1987). The Gilgamesh Epic: An Analytical Study of the Akkadian Text. Brill.
4. George, A. R. (2003). The Babylonian Gilgamesh Epic: Critical Edition and Cuneiform Texts, Volume 1. Oxford University Press.