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Essay Available:
Pages:
4 pages/≈1100 words
Sources:
3 Sources
Style:
MLA
Subject:
Literature & Language
Type:
Research Paper
Language:
English (U.S.)
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MS Word
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Topic:

Literary Analysis of "The Epic of Gilgamesh"

Research Paper Instructions:

Literary Analysis Paper
English 205
This paper assignment is intended to get you to think more deeply about a topic of your own choosing in Western literature.  The idea behind any topic choice is to see connections or patterns in what we have read.  Select a topic that shows reflection on an issue or an idea that crosses boundaries of authors or works or both and discuss this in detail. The paper should be in the range of four to five pages (excluding the Works Cited page). 
In your essay, you will argue for a particular interpretation, so you must support your claims with specific examples from the text.  You may choose between writing a literary paper on Gilgamesh or Sophocles’s Oedipus Rex. Please remember that in addition to citing specific lines or passages of text, you must explain those passages or lines to your readers.  Never assume that the text speaks for itself.  For this assignment, please use at least three outside (secondary) sources in your analysis. We will use MLA guidelines for documenting, so please cite any secondary source properly in your paper.  There are certain expectations readers have for literary analysis papers. One is that the ideas discussed show originality but depend heavily on the text. They don't depend on lengthy biographical reporting or plot summarizing (except as it helps illustrate a point in your analysis).
Specific Criteria:
In grading your essays, I will consider all of the following:
1.  Quality of the argument: Is it arguable and interesting? Is it clear? Is it fully developed? 
2.  Organization: Are thoughts organized clearly and effectively? Is there a thesis and/or blueprint?
3.  Use of examples: Do you choose appropriate examples? Do you use them effectively? Are there enough?
4.  Quality of the prose: Do you write clearly? Gracefully? Effectively? Do you make frequent mechanical (grammar, spelling, punctuation) errors? What is the quality of the diction and syntax?
5.  Presentation: Did you number your pages? Is the Works Cited page formatted correctly? Are the in-text citations correctly documented? Do you have a cover page?
Here are some topic possibilities:
1. What roles do the women characters play in Gilgamesh? Are they partners, objects of desire and envy, or comic relief? What does their role reveal about the societies in which Gilgamesh was composed?
2. Who is the greater hero, Gilgamesh or Enkidu?
3. Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu slay Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, yet the gods decide that Enkidu is the one who must die. Why?
4. Is Oedipus predestined to his fate, or does he have free will? Are these two ideas completely incompatible?
5. Can Oedipus be held responsible for his actions, if his fate is predestined?

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The Epic of Gilgamesh
Western literature is quite diverse and the most extensive writings of the age. It is characterized by deep history and based on different subjects. Epic of Gilgamesh is a piece of its own. It is unique and reflects the most recent literature. Typically, the Epic of Gilgamesh tells a story of a great king of Mesopotamia. The literature provides an encounter of gods, kings, different creatures, women, and their relationship with people. It is a piece of wiring accompanied by different writing styles to stitch the subject matter together. For example, it talks about revenge, women, and love, all represented in different writing styles. Notably, this particular piece of literature also incorporates the styles of other ancient writers hence making it exceptional. Within the Epic of Gilgamesh, women play a vital role in influencing and dictating the lives of the men and gods.
The Role of Women Characters in Epic of Gilgamesh
There is an unimaginable control and influence of women on men in Epic of Gilgamesh's writing. Women have an indirect influence in the Uruk kingdom. Although different writing styles and characters reflect varied meanings, the overall lesson is based on inevitable death. They have shaped their future by creating Gilgamesh. Just like the ontology literature by Sophocles, the aspect of the blame game the fate is also in play. The King in the literature blames the gods (women) for not standing with him. Epic of Gilgamesh also illustrates the predestined fate, which is inevitable and is controlled by Ishtar. The poem on the Epic of Gilgamesh is quite exquisite and shows different meanings in every tablet (Vosecky and Thomas 48-49). The characters are aligned according to their responsibility and contribution to the inevitability of death in the literature. Great philosophers in western literature have combined the aspect of superstition and fate to determine the results. The goddess is not happy with how the King treats women; thus, they decide to take him out. Typically, the character of Ishtar in the poem shows the inevitable destiny of King. The poem in the Epic of Gilgamesh ends in death and the king demonstrates his fear over the gods.
Literary, the poem has integrated literature styles to reflect the deeper power of women in this in this particular kingdom. These styles are characterized by symbolism and other literary languages. The characterization and plot of the literature work are phenomenal. For example, Gilgamesh manages to accomplish great things, unlike the previous kings. The aspect of gods in work is used to link the success of the King with the supernatural. In this case, the King was not just a mere being but rather a person of stature (created by gods-women) predestined to lead the people of Mesopotamia (Vosecky and Thomas 48-49). The King accomplished things that no other human being in the history of this country did. However, it was enabled by women in an indirect partnership. The use of characters and flow of the work is just phenomenal. For example, women have unique and specific roles in this particular kingdom. They are seen as a channel of wisdom and ruin in this work. It means women can contribute both negatively and pos...
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