Write a 1 page paper (250 words minimum) in which you describe the Epic of Gilgamesh, and tell your reader:
a) why the hero changes after meeting Enkidu, and in what ways he changes; b) the kinds of tests and trials he
undergoes throughout the story; and c) the allies and enemies he meets, and how he interacts with them.
In other words, discuss what kind of person Gilgamesh was at the beginning, how he changes over the course
of the tale, what happens to bring about the changes in him, and what he does as a fully developed hero-king.
You may also talk about the "lessons" the story teaches about the world. This means you should briefly
summarize the most important points of the story, but then provide your own analysis as well (of how and why
he changes, what are the important lessons of the story, etc.) Note: The purpose of this assignment is to
demonstrate that you have read and understood the story, and are able to explain some of the important
events in it and their significance in your own words. You could pretend you're telling a friend or relative about
the reading you did for class.
Sample Solution