Name:
Reading Questions over Gilgamesh pgs 11-50
WHISL – Bell
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Group 1
According to the Babylonians, what does it mean to be human? Think of the statements they are
making with Enkidu and Gilgamesh. “Gilgamesh was called a god and man; Enkidu was an animal
and man. It is the story of their becoming human together” (15). You may also want to discuss if
Enkidu was better off in his natural/animal state vs. his humanized state. Use your homework to
help you.
Group 2
Who would the Babylonians view as the hero of this story: Gilgamesh or Enkidu? Why? What
character traits are valued in this culture? Talk about your own criteria for a hero and which one
you personally believe is the hero of the story. Use your homework to help you.
Group 3
What are the supernatural characters like? How do humans view the gods and their role in
life/nature? Describe Gilgamesh’s and Enkidu’s relationship to the gods (refer to specific gods
and interactions).
Group 4
The character’s physical and
emotional traits…
Gilgamesh:
What the character believes(values
and world view), says, and does…
Gilgamesh:
What others think about the
character…
Gilgamesh:
Group 5
The character’s physical and
emotional traits…
Enkidu:
What the character believes(values
and world view), says, and does…
Enkidu:
Group 6
What are Gilgamesh’s 1st two dreams about?
What others think about the
character…
Enkidu:
Dream one was about…
Analyze the dreams – what is the symbolism or
deeper meaning behind them?
Dream one:
Dream two was about…
Dream two:
Why are dreams significant?
Group 7
What are Gilgamesh’s 2nd two dreams about?
Dream one was about…
Analyze the dreams – what is the symbolism or
deeper meaning behind them?
Dream one:
Dream two was about…
Dream two:
Why are dreams significant?
Group 8
Find five extended similes in your reading (give me pg # and be ready to read them):
How does the simile add to our understanding of the text?
Group 9
Reread the powerful image/description of Humbaba on pgs 28-29. What image/feeling is
created in your mind? What traits does Humbaba have? Is Humbaba evil?
Group 10
Why do you think Gilgamesh needs to challenge and oppose Humbaba? What does
Enkidu think? What were their feelings going into the fight? Connect these feelings to
war today.
Group 11
Both Gilgamesh and Enkidu killed Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven, but Shamash
believes Enkidu is innocent – why? Why must he die? How does Enkidu feel as he is
approaching death (and what he sees)?
Group 12
How might Gilgamesh be affected by Enkidu’s death? What did Gilgamesh learn from
Enkidu?