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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. The elders tell Gilgamesh that he is young and __________ has carried him away in proposing to battle Humbaba.

2. What do the eight winds do to Humbaba?

3. What happens to those who go to the cedar forest?

4. How does Gilgamesh say that Enkidu's paralysis will end?

5. What is a recension?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Urshanabi prevented from immediately conducting Gilgamesh across the sea?

2. What does the barmaid tell Gilgamesh and what do her words foreshadow?

3. Describe the fight between Enlil and Shamash over which man will die - Gilgamesh or Enkidu.

4. Discuss Enkidu's interpretations of Gilgamesh's dreams.

5. Discuss why Gilgamesh has such a difficult time dealing with Enkidu's death.

6. How does Enkidu describe the gate to the cedar forest?

7. Describe the battle between Enkidu and Gilgamesh.

8. Describe the weapons Gilgamesh and Enkidu arm themselves with to fight Humbaba.

9. Why does Enkidu not like living in the city?

10. When Enkidu tells Gilgamesh about Humbaba the demon is he trying to warn Gilgamesh? Why does Gilgamesh not listen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Enkidu and Gilgamesh are preparing to leave to battle Humbaba, no one offers advice to Enkidu. Ninsun cautions Enkidu to look after her son and see him back safely. The elders and townspeople do not seem worried about Enkidu's welfare or chances of survival. How do you interpret this scene? Is Enkidu ignored because the people are confident in his ability? Or would counseling Enkidu detract from the importance of Gilgamesh's journey?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the similarities between Utnapishtim's flood story and the Biblical account of Noah and the flood. What is the symbolism of the flood? Why do you think at least one man is saved in each story?

Essay Topic 3

In Tablet 3, Gilgamesh talks about the fleetness of man's life. In Tablet 7, Enkidu laments that he is dying a disgraceful death instead of on the battlefield. The importance of a man's deeds, how he dies, and the way he is remembered are significant themes to the Epic and other heroic tales. Discuss this theme in relation to Gilgamesh. How do his rash deeds lead to a heroic life and deeds remembered? How do Gilgamesh's actions affect Enkidu's life so that he must die a disgraceful death? Does one man have to sacrifice others in order to gain notoriety for himself?

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