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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who guards the mountain?

2. What are the names of the two kings Enkidu identifies in the underworld?

3. Where does Enkidu go in his dream?

4. To whom does Gilgamesh address his lamentions?

5. Who is Urshanabi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Enlil is said to be the god who appointed Humbaba protector of the cedar forest. In Tablet, 7 Enlil is the god who announces that Enkidu shall die for his part in the killing of Humbaba, the bull of heaven and cutting down the cedar forest. Knowing that Enlil wanted the forest protected why do you think he chooses Enkidu over Gilgamesh as the one to die? Do you think that Enkidu's previous knowledge of Humbaba and the forest plays a role in Enlil's decision? Does Enlil count Gilgamesh innocent because he did not originally know the story of Humbaba and the cedar forest?

Essay Topic 2

After the snake has stolen Gilgamesh's plant, the hero sits contemplating all that has befallen him. He wonders who he has done everything for and realizes that in the end all his rash actions have not gotten him anywhere. Gilgamesh returns to Uruk and stands on the wall overlooking his city. How do you think Gilgamesh views his city after his long journey? At the beginning of the story he viewed Uruk and the citizens as his personal playground and slaves. Do you think Gilgamesh has a new appreciation for the people and the beauty of Uruk?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 343 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample