Answer two of the following five essays. Each essay must be written in proper essay format with
underlined thesis statements. Please cite all quotes from your text and do not forget to explain and
connect all quotes. Each essay is worth 50 points. Please use third-person and formal voice.
1. Compare the Biblical story of the flood with the version of the flood told by Utnapishtim in
Gilgamesh. Discuss whether you believe that the similarities or the differences are more
strinking, and analyze your cultural interpretation of the stories. Explain, using specific examples
from both stories to support your ideas.
2. The Epic of Gilgamesh traces the strength and weakness of its hero throughout this tale of
transcendence. Discuss how human and superhuman traits are equally important to Gilgamesh
becoming a true hero at the end of the epic.
3. Mythology scholar Joseph Campbell discusses the concept of false journey modeling it after Carl
Jung’s archetypes. Discuss Gilgamesh’s original goal and what he actually discovers citing
specific examples from the book and/or your notes. How is Gilgamesh’s journey a universal quest
similar to that of all humans?
4. Discuss how the Epic of Gilgamesh incorporates elements of epic poetry and epic hero. Discuss
ways that the epic is successful in creating an archetype hero and how it may fail. Does the hero
of this story relate to other epic heroes that you may have studied or that you may know from
popular culture?
5. Through the reading of Gilgamesh and Genesis, it seems that humans inevitably fail at meeting
the God(s) expectations. Focusing on Genesis with possible discussion of Gilgamesh, what do
the God(s) seem to expect from humans and how do the humans fail to meet such expectations?
For example, The Creation and the Fall never explains why humans are forbidden to eat from the
Tree of Knowledge, and who holds blame for human weakness. Is it the fault of the humans? Is it
the fault of the God(s) or does the blame fall to both sides? Since sacred literature is expected to
teach important moral lessons, how would you interpret the lessons of Genesis?
You may prepare thesis statements, examples, and quotes in advance as well as organize your
notes for the exam. You will not be permitted to pre-write essays. If you are caught, you
automatically receive a failing grade...