For Wednesday 9/2
- How does the Prologue characterize Gilgamesh as a king and as a man?
- In what ways does the harlot Shamhat “civilize” Enkidu (beside the obvious)? What does “civilization” mean here and what are the signs of his civilization?
- What is the nature of the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu? How does character each compliment the other?
- What about the women in the story: Ninsun, Shamhat, and the goddess Aruru? What specific powers does each possess and wield and how do they move the narrative forward?
- Why do Gilgamesh and Enkidu pursue their first adventure? What do they hope to gain?
For Wednesday 9/9
- How would you characterize Ishtar? What does she want from Gilgamesh and what tactics does she use to get what she wants?
- What is the purpose of Enkidu’s string of curses in Tablet VII? Why, especially, does he curse Shamhat? For what does he blame her? (VII. 58-86 [pp129-30])
- Is Enkidu’s death ordained by the gods? Why him and not Gilgamesh?
- In what ways are water and bodies of water significant in the narrative? What do they symbolize? Give specific examples.
- What is the significance of Utanapishtim’s challenge to Gilgamesh to stay awake for 6 days and 7 nights? Why does he have his wife measure the days with loaves of bread?
- Why does the narrative end with Gilgamesh’s observation of the walls of Uruk? How is this scene related to the story’s Prologue? Does it signify any progression of his character?