Preparing for Class: September 8

The Epic of Gilgamesh, Tablets 6-8

As we start this next section, I'd like you to review some central issues in Gilgamesh's story:

Pairs of opposites and what they represent (civilization vs. chaos, for example)

The role of women and how women characters affect the outcome of events

Learned wisdom vs. God-given wisdom

What man's lot in life really is--what he can expect and hope for

What true wisdom really is and how it is acquired

What the duties of kingship are

Immortality through fame

The nobility of heroic enterprise

Then you should be ready to go on to the following questions.

1. Why is Ishtar attracted to Gilgamesh rather than Enkidu?
2. Why is Gilgamesh so rude to Ishtar? What does he accuse her of? Is this appropriate language to use in addressing a Goddess?
3. Does Gilgamesh's attitude to Ishtar tell you anything about the Mesopotamian view of divinity?
4. The death of the bull of heaven suggests that in this culture, divine beings can die. Does this mesh with your view of "divinity" and what do you think it reveals about Mesopotamian religious views?
5. Why is Enkidu singled out for punishment? Do you think this is just?
6. How is Enkidu warned of his impending doom and how does he react to this warning?
7. How do Shamash and Gilgamesh "comfort" Enkidu? Do you find their advice comforting?
8. Who does Enkidu blame for what is happening to him?
9. How does Gilgamesh react to Enkidu's fate?
10. How does Gilgamesh mourn for his friend?

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