View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Siduri think Gilgamesh is when she sees him?

2. What animal did Enkidu chase on the steppe?

3. What does Enkidu throw at Ishtar?

4. Where is Gilgamesh speedily going?

5. Who does Siduri say is the only person able to cross the sea to Utnapishtim?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss fear as it is used in the story. Gilgamesh is afraid to admit when he is afraid but he cries after hearing the elders' description of Humbaba. Enkidu is not afraid to voice his concerns. Enkidu seems to understand that fear can be a positive attribute for a man. Is fear a positive attribute in a hero?

Essay Topic 2

Boasts and oaths before battle are common in epics. Gilgamesh offers such a boast before he battles Humbaba. Discuss the elements of the heroic boast. Why are such boasts performed? To what narrative technique are boasts similar?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 221 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample