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?
How, specifically, does Enkidu’s death affect Gilgamesh? What are the physical and emotional markers of Gilgamesh’s grief for the death of his companion?
In what ways are water and bodies of water significant in the narrative? What do they symbolize? Give specific examples.
As always, come up with 1 or 2 questions of your own, or passages you’d like to read aloud and discuss.