Gilgamesh Essay:
Choose one of the following themes that you will develop into a 5paragraph essay. Your outline is due on Monday September 26th
Friendship as a Motivating Force
Friendship motivates change in Gilgamesh. Enkidu changes from
a wild man into a noble one because of Gilgamesh, and their
friendship changes Gilgamesh from a bully and a tyrant into an
exemplary king and hero.
The Inevitability of Death
Death is an inevitable and inescapable fact of human life, which is
the greatest lesson Gilgamesh learns.
The Gods Are Dangerous
Gilgamesh and Enkidu learn all too well that the gods are
dangerous for mortals. Gods live by their own laws and frequently
behave as emotionally and irrationally as children.
Seductions
There are two important seductions in Gilgamesh, one successful
and one a failure.
Journeys
Almost all of the action in Gilgamesh begins with a journey.
Choose one to summarize and explain.
Religious Symbols
Gilgamesh is rich in religious symbolism. Religious rituals in
Mesopotamia involved sacrifices, festivals, dream interpretation,
and shamanic magic, all of which appear in the story. Choose one
and outline how it affects the heroes of our story.
Doorways
Images of doorways, portals, and gateways constantly recur in
Gilgamesh. Talk about how important each door is in the epic.
EXPOSITORY ESSAY OUTLINE
(Essays that analyze events, ideas, objects, or written works)
INTRODUCTION
element
what you need to do
hook/lead
Start with an inviting and
interesting beginning that grabs
readers’ attention.
(1-2 sentences)
introduction
to topic
Let your readers know which
three topics in general you will
be talking about in your essay.
(2-3 sentences)
THESIS –
your main
point
State your main point. Tell
readers your main message
about the topic. (1 sentence)
write your ideas here in complete sentences
BODY PARAGRAPH #1
element
what you need to do
TOPIC
SENTENCE
1
Use a strong transition as
you state the first aspect of
your main topic.
(1-2 sentences)
supporting
detail
1.1
EXPLAIN one specific piece of
information that expands on
and illustrates your first point.
(2-3 sentences)
supporting
detail
1.2
USE one quote to demonstrate
your first point. (2-3 sentences)
supporting
detail
1.3
EXPLAIN your selected quote
and how it supports your first
point. (2-3 sentences)
write your ideas here in complete sentences
BODY PARAGRAPH #2
element
what you need to do
TOPIC
SENTENCE
2
Use a strong transition as
you state the second aspect
of your main topic that you
will be discussing.
(1-2 sentences)
supporting
detail
2.1
EXPLAIN one SPECIFIC piece
of information that expands on
and illustrates your second
point. (2-3 sentences)
supporting
detail
2.2
USE one quote to demonstrate
your second point.
(2-3 sentences)
supporting
detail
2.3
EXPLAIN your selected quote
and how it supports your
second point. (2-3 sentences)
write your ideas here in complete sentences
BODY PARAGRAPH #3
element
what you need to do
TOPIC
SENTENCE
3
Use a strong transition as
you state the third aspect of
your main topic that you will
be discussing.
(1-2 sentences)
supporting
detail
3.1
EXPLAIN one SPECIFIC piece
of information that expands on
and illustrates your third point.
(2-3 sentences)
USE one quote to demonstrate
your third point.
(2-3 sentences)
supporting
detail
3.2
supporting
detail
3.3
write your ideas here in complete sentences
EXPLAIN your selected quote
and how it supports your third
point. (2-3 sentences)
CONCLUSION
element
what you need to do
reemphasize
Use a strong transition as you
re-state (in a different way)
your main point and the three
aspects you have discussed.
(2-3 sentences)
extend and
close
Finish with a statement that
reinforces your main point in a
meaningful and memorable
way. (1-2 sentences)
write your ideas here in complete sentences