Final Exam Review

Who is Gilgamesh in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk, known for his regime of oppression and self-indulgence.

How is Enkidu introduced in the story?

Enkidu is a wildman living with animals who is tamed by Shamat through sex and is brought into the civilized world.

What is the significance of Gilgamesh and Enkidu's wrestling match?

The wrestling match symbolizes Enkidu's challenge to Gilgamesh's rule, ultimately leading to their friendship.

What role does Ishtar play in the narrative?

Ishtar, the goddess of love, makes a romantic advance towards Gilgamesh, which he rejects, prompting her to ask Anu to send the Bull of Heaven as punishment.

What is the consequence of Gilgamesh and Enkidu killing the Bull of Heaven?

They are punished by the gods, resulting in Enkidu being cursed to die.

What does Gilgamesh do in response to Enkidu's death?

Gilgamesh flees into the wilderness, terrified of his own mortality.

Who is Utnapishtim and what is his significance?

Utnapishtim is a figure similar to Noah; he holds the secret of eternal life and recounts the story of the flood.

What challenge does Utnapishtim give to Gilgamesh?

Utnapishtim challenges Gilgamesh to stay awake for a week, which he fails immediately.

What does Gilgamesh seek on his journey?

He seeks immortality and the means to escape death.

What does the plant that Utnapishtim’s wife tells Gilgamesh about do?

The plant restores youth, representing a fleeting hope for immortality.

What happens to the plant that Gilgamesh retrieves?

A snake steals the plant, symbolizing the inevitability of death.

What is a central theme in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

The reconciliation with mortality and the acceptance of one's human limitations.

What does Enkidu's transformation represent?

Enkidu's transformation from wild-man to civilized being signifies the journey into humanity.

What does Gilgamesh learn by the end of the story?

Gilgamesh learns to be reconciled with his own mortality and finds fulfillment in his legacy and accomplishments.

How is the epic structured thematically?

The epic explores themes of civilization vs. wildness, the divine vs. mortal struggles, and the inevitability of death.

What does the cyclical nature of the poem signify?

The cyclical structure of the poem reflects Gilgamesh's personal development and the impact of loss on his character.

What is the narrative's perspective on death?

Death is portrayed as an inevitable aspect of life that cannot be avoided, marking the quest for human immortality.

How does love motivate character development in the story?

Love drives Enkidu's transformation and Gilgamesh's growth from a tyrant to a hero.