Questions/Answers for the Epic Of Gilgamesh
1.) What makes a good leader?
The good qualities of a leader is having compassion towards others, showing them respect, treating one another equally and not taking advantage of power. If you don't have those qualities, then you aren't a good leader; in fact, you shouldn't be a leader at all.
2.)Does Gilgamesh have these qualities yet?
No, Gilgamesh does not have these qualities yet. It shows that he still uses people when he sends out Shamot to go and seduce Enkidu out of the forest. Gilgamesh also tries to beat Enkidu when Enkidu blocks the way into the temple for the marriage, Gilgamesh doesn't think twice about most things.
3.) Gilgamesh and Enkidu develop their friendship here. What are qualities of a strong friendship? Do you foresee these two men being able to maintain a strong friendship?
Qualities in a strong friendship is trust, respect, compassion and knowing how the other works. If you can't even trust one another, then the friendship will turn out disastrous and things will always end up in an argument.
4.) Do you think this journey is a good idea or a bad idea? Why?
I think this journey is a good idea because it will test both Gilgamesh and Enkidu's friendship and strength. If they didn't take this journey, they wouldn't learn much, they won't expand their horizons in their learning.
5.) Analyze the dreams of Gilgamesh. What would you have interpreted those dreams to mean?
I would have interpreted it to be some sort of war going to start or a meteor that will hit the earth. I wouldn't have known it if it was someone who was the same strength of me.
6.) Gilgamesh almost shows compassion toward Humbaba. What would change about Gilgamesh if he hadn't killed Humbaba?
If Gilgamesh didn't kill Humbaba, then Gilgamesh would've known what compassion is, he would've felt it and feel it within him. Gilgamesh would've changed slightly and would've shown more compassion towards the people and reflect on what he did to them, most likely feel regretful.
7.) What do you think is the most important line from this section? Why?
The most important line from this section is when Enkidu was sleeping and woke up to tell Gilgamesh. I think this foreshadows the next part of the tablet signifying that something major is going to happen.
8.) What do you think is the most important lesson that Enkidu has learned?
Enkidu learned that he shouldn't have cursed out the Harlot because she gave him food, clothing, wine and civilized him. He also learned that he should be grateful for what was given to him and be thankful that he had gotten to meet Gilgamesh, his beloved brother and friend.
9.) If your friend were writing a "lament" about you, what would you want included?
If a friend was writing a lament about me, I would want them to include all of my negative points first, so people know what to expect if they read about it. Then, I want my friend to include all of my positive points to show people that I'm not all that bad, seeing as I like to see the bright side of things more than the down side.
10.) What do you feel is the most important line from this section? Why?
Create 'My Friend,' fashion a statue of him is a important line because Gilgamesh is telling the people to build a statue of Enkidu. To preserve something like of immortality to his friend and as a sign of respect for Enkidu who was a faithful friend and brother.
11.) Would you want eternal life or eternal youth? Why?
I would go for eternal life because, in a way, you can't age and you can't die. But the only thing with eternal life is that, you'll live on forever as you watch your loved ones die in front of you while you're in perfect health. As for eternal youth, you'll look young until the day you die. If you're 85 years old, you could look 17 years of age. I would rather go with eternal life, even if it does have it's consequences of seeing the ones you love age on and die while you cannot.
12.) Do you agree that seeking eternal life is pointless for Gilgamesh? Why or why not?
In a way, I don't think it's pointless at all because he wants to live on forever and he's afraid to die like everyone else is. But, I do think that it will take a long time before anyone can obtain immortality but this goal is a goal higher than anyone else's and it shows that Gilgamesh wants to obtain something that's out of reach.
13.) What do you know of the Flood Story of the Bible? How does it compare to the story told by Utnapishtim?
What I know about the Flood Story is it's called Noah's Arc in where God comes in Noah's dream and tells him he must build a boat that can hold various animals, two of each kind, a male and female. But when Utnapishtim tells the story to Gilgamesh, he says that he must board all living things on the boat he has built, wanting the boards to measure in the same length and he sacrificed a sheep, he also said that he sent a raven, dove and a swallow that came back with nothing while in Noah's Arc, Noah only sent out a dove and the dove came pack with a piece of plant in it's mouth.
14.) What do you predict for Gilgamesh after all his adventures?
I predict after once Gilgamesh finishes his adventures, he told the story to the scholars when he grew old, the scholars then writing it on the stone tablets, but also telling his own grand children when he learned to actually love and not use people. I think that Gilgamesh changed his personality and attitude once he finished with his adventure, finding out he couldn't obtain immortality and finally knew he could rest in peace and once again reunite himself with his beloved friend, Enkidu.
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