Exploring Epic Beginnings: Gilgamesh's Journey and Literary Elements
Embark on a journey through the epic beginnings of Gilgamesh as he establishes defining features of epic poetry. Discover the characteristics of an epic hero, elements of an epic poem, and literary devices like repetition and themes, all woven into this ancient tale.
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REVIEW: EPIC BEGINNINGS UNIT
Part 1 of Gilgamesh: How does Gilgamesh establish the defining features of epic poetry? Background: Epic Hero is an archetype. Gilgamesh is part man and part God. Characteristics: Strong warrior and leader Gilgamesh is abusing his power and mistreating his people. Is a compelling and confident speaker Gods send Enikdu (who is equal in strength) to challenge Gilgamesh. Demonstrates courage and takes risks Embarks on a long, challenging journey They fight and then become friends. Proves triumphant in battle Both men set out on a journey to defeat Humbaba, a monster of the Cedar Forest Receives help from a supernatural power
FEATURES OF AN EPIC POEM Epic is a long poem that tells the story (a narrative) of a hero. Epics share features that drive the plot: A courageous hero who answers a call to adventure A journey filled with challenges A vast setting of distant landscape Supernatural forces, such as god or monsters, that intervene Which elements can you identify in this selection? at four hundred miles they stopped to eat, at a thousand miles they pitched their camp. They had traveled for just three days and nights, a six weeks journey for ordinary men. When the sun was setting, they dug a well They filled their waterskins with fresh water, Gilgamesh climbed to the top of the mountain. - A journey filled with challenges - Vast setting Courageous hero
LITERARY ELEMENTS Gilgamesh repeatedly has a dream and says, Enikdu, dear friend, I have had a dream. What effect does this repetition have? A. It creates a vivid image that the audience can see, and it establishes a more realistic way of storytelling. B. It create pattern that the audience can follow, and it signals that the audience will hear a new dream. Repetition: reappearance of words and phrases for effect. It is important to the structure of an epic because: Allows poets to remember and retell the poem Helps audience absorb the poem Create a rhythmic pattern Emphasizes important ideas After each dream, Gilgamesh says to Enkidu, Dear friend, tell me, what does this mean? What effect does this repetition have? A. It emphasizes the terrifying nature of Gilgamesh s dreams. B. It reinforces Enkidu s role as Gilgamesh s advisor.
LITERARY ELEMENTS CONTINUED Theme: a message that a text convey about a topic. A theme is never specific to a text, and should never mention any particular aspects of a text (including plot elements characters, setting, etc.). A story can have more than one theme, and these themes can interact with one another. A theme is more than just one word, such as Love this is a topic. My next question, what is the story revealing about love? What is the comment being made about love by the text? Is this a theme? Money can t buy happiness. It is better to live free than die under tyranny. Story inspires readers to take chances in times of uncertainty.
GILGAMESH THEMES III. Read the excerpt and decide which statement best reflects the theme: 1. Which statement is a theme of Gilgamesh? 1. Two friends in search of the dreaded monster. 2. Encouragement can be a source of strength. Gilgamesh backed away. He said, How dreadful Humbaba s face has become! It is changing into a thousand nightmare II. Consider these two themes: Good leaders motivate through compelling speeches. Soldiers must persevere through challenging trials. faces, more horrible than I can bear. I feel haunted. I am too afraid to go on. Enkidu answered, Why dearest friend, Do you speak like a coward? What you just said Which statement best describes how these themes interact? Gilgamesh encourages Enkidu to continue, and Enkidu faces many tests of courage. Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu convincingly urge each other to endure through hardship. is unworthy of you. It grieves my heart. We must not hesitate or retreat. Theme 1: Theme 2: Theme 3: Cowardice leads to death and defeat. People must persevere despite their fears. Gilgamesh needs support to overcome his fears.
Create your own epic hero! Extra credit Assignment Choice 1: Choice 2: You will create an epic hero that exemplifies at least four of the characteristics of this archetype. Use the graphic organizer entitled Epic Hero Character Chart to get your ideas together. Return to the two sections of Gilgamesh and find textual evidence that illustrates Gilgamesh as an epic hero. You must fill this chart completely! Gilgamesh as an Epic Hero Handout Link: Epic Hero Character Trait Handout E-MAIL Mrs. Mav if you would like to complete one of these activities! I will send you a copy of the handout to your personal email. Brooke.Mavretich@henry.k12.ga.us Text: 678-632-3448 (include your name and which assignment you would like to complete.)
