— Aljermaine Glaze
Is the Epic of Gilgamesh classified as a great work? This question does not quite bring an immediate answer to mind. It makes me ponder. In literature I interpret a great work to have many qualities. A classic; a story that is used for generations. A piece of literature that is read in school by my parents, myself and my children. A piece of literature that creates a discussion. If something is great if should have an impact on generations. In a video about the Epic of Gilgamesh it claims this is one of the oldest stories known to exist. Now reading this story in 2020 that dates back to 2000 BC, according to ‘The Honorable Caligula’, this story is indeed generational. If this claim is in fact accurate then the Epic of Gilgamesh in my opinion does meet one of the two criteria, I consider a great work. The Epic of Gilgamesh is definitely ambiguous because I’m sure each person that reads this story will have a different take away or interpretation of the text. This story does display many humanistic traits that are relatable to readers who can create a sentiment from the Epic. The ambiguity of the text does create discussions, which leads to another criteria of great works. After reading the events in the story. It is unclear exactly how to interpret the story line due to the ambiguity but after collective discussion and gathering different point of views from classmates and online interpretations, it helps break down the text. As the story hits the climax, personalities of the characters become contemporary. The Epic of Gilgamesh spun full circle with the order of events in the Epic and the perceived theme initially reading the text and character development traits as the story concludes. It is still quite unclear exact what the theme of the Epic of Gilgamesh was even after discussion but I guess that is what makes this story generational, create an open discussion for interpretations and essentially a great work.
