Epic Poetry and Gilgamesh
Joseph Gully
Professor Christina Strafaci
English 2310
January 18, 2013
The Epic of Gilgamesh I. The Epic of Gilgamesh a. Retelling of the poem in verse narrative by Herbert Mason is used. b. Gilgamesh is introduced to the human side of virtues versus the demi-god side. c. Gilgamesh is a changed man by the end thanks to his fortitude. d. Gilgamesh and his many actions result in nothing but death, a foreign concept to a demi-god. II. Vanity and Violence e. Praise for others is prohibited. f. “His people’s shouts of praise for someone other than himself” (Mason 23) g. Violence is the only way Gilgamesh can deal with his feelings. h. Temperate men do not use violence as an answer. i. To be temperate would mean the ability to think things out in turn allowing for justness. III. Bigger than life personality fit for a god. j. Gilgamesh believes he is entitled to everything and anything human as a demi-god. k. Gilgamesh invokes ancient law claiming a new bride on her wedding night. l. Selfish and carnal actions are what make his people voice joy for others. m. Only a person with empathy can imagine the distress their actions cause. n. From a friend’s we see change. IV. Gilgamesh and his fortitude. o. Gilgamesh shows great fortitude and does not quit the quests. p. A withered man returns to his people only to see that they can achieve great heights along the city walls. q. Gilgamesh finds it hard to move on after Endiku’s death but at the same time does not realize that all life must continue with or without Endiku and with or without him. r. The quests which Gilgamesh endeavors result in a great deal of different outcomes but all leading to the same which is his own self-realization. s. Gilgamesh is now able to relate to his human side. V. God or Man? t. Gilgamesh is not all powerful nor does he control the
Professor Christina Strafaci
English 2310
January 18, 2013
The Epic of Gilgamesh I. The Epic of Gilgamesh a. Retelling of the poem in verse narrative by Herbert Mason is used. b. Gilgamesh is introduced to the human side of virtues versus the demi-god side. c. Gilgamesh is a changed man by the end thanks to his fortitude. d. Gilgamesh and his many actions result in nothing but death, a foreign concept to a demi-god. II. Vanity and Violence e. Praise for others is prohibited. f. “His people’s shouts of praise for someone other than himself” (Mason 23) g. Violence is the only way Gilgamesh can deal with his feelings. h. Temperate men do not use violence as an answer. i. To be temperate would mean the ability to think things out in turn allowing for justness. III. Bigger than life personality fit for a god. j. Gilgamesh believes he is entitled to everything and anything human as a demi-god. k. Gilgamesh invokes ancient law claiming a new bride on her wedding night. l. Selfish and carnal actions are what make his people voice joy for others. m. Only a person with empathy can imagine the distress their actions cause. n. From a friend’s we see change. IV. Gilgamesh and his fortitude. o. Gilgamesh shows great fortitude and does not quit the quests. p. A withered man returns to his people only to see that they can achieve great heights along the city walls. q. Gilgamesh finds it hard to move on after Endiku’s death but at the same time does not realize that all life must continue with or without Endiku and with or without him. r. The quests which Gilgamesh endeavors result in a great deal of different outcomes but all leading to the same which is his own self-realization. s. Gilgamesh is now able to relate to his human side. V. God or Man? t. Gilgamesh is not all powerful nor does he control the