Mythology Midterm
Choose one topic for an essay of 600-800 words, double-spaced. You will need an introduction with a clear thesis, an organized body of support, and a conclusion. Be sure to make direct references to your texts to illustrate your claims. You may use secondary sources if you wish. Clearly and thoroughly document all borrowed material (quotations, paraphrases, summaries) with in-text citations and provide works cited entries at the end of your essay.
- In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu appears to give up some of his superhuman attributes (his oneness with the forest animals, the ability to run like a gazelle, etc.) in exchange for a civilized, fully human existence. What, exactly, does he gain in this bargain? In the eyes of the Ancient Mesopotamians was what he gained worth what he had lost? In what ways might the perspective of the modern reader on this question be different to that of the epic’s original audience?
- In outlining the classic features of the mythological hero’s journey in The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell concludes, “[T]he hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow men.” Gilgamesh fails in his attempt to retrieve the flower of eternal youth from the realm of the dead. Does he nonetheless return from his adventure with a boon of equal or even greater value? If so, what is the gift he brings to his people and what is its value?
- In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Ninsun, Ishtar, Siduri, and Samhat (the temple harlot) play significant roles. But are these female characters distinctive in their own right, or are they largely props meant to enhance the image of the male characters? Are they seen as essentially positive or negative influences (or some of both)?
- Intergenerational violence, sometimes accidental, often intentional, is featured prominently in many Greek myths. What is the symbolism involved, and is it distinct from that represented in other forms violence? How do we reconcile the prominence of such a theme in the stories of a culture for whom family stability (and, by extension, social stability) was among the prime virtues?
- Gilgamesh and Heracles share many characteristics, but their characters also diverge in several striking ways. Compare and contrast the image of heroic masculinity as represented by each one. Take note of their images in the eyes of their supporting characters, the nature of their heroic deeds, their flaws, and each one’s eventual fate.
- The Greek myths provide several models of heroism as embodied by diverse characters such as Heracles, Theseus, Atalanta, Orpheus, and Oedipus. Compare and contrast the qualities that these figures personify. What does this diversity say about ancient Greek culture? Do certain characteristics seem to be valued over others? Consider the fate of each character and what it tells us about the people who told these stories. Why are some of these figures more prominent than others in the minds of contemporary audiences?
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