History 4A
DeAnza College
Spring 2012
Christopher R. Jackson
Primary source analysis paper #1: The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh: http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/
You will read and evaluate the Epic of Gilgamesh, perhaps the oldest piece of written literature. Consider the following when reading the book:
When was it written? Who wrote it? In what form was it written? What was its intended audience? (You might want to consult an encyclopedia for this information.)
Gilgamesh is the powerful king of Uruk, but he is not happy. How does the epic portray social roles in ancient Sumer? What does the epic say about the role of religion in society? What does it tell us about their sense of an afterlife? What is the role of dreams in the epic? What does this tell us about their sense of destiny?
What is the relationship between the king Gilgamesh and the wild man Enkidu? What, if anything, does this symbolize?
Do you see parallels between the Epic of Gilgamesh to other ancient literature?
Typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides (this is usually the default for most word processing programs), approximately 500-700 words, e-mailed as a Microsoft Word compatible attachment. Note: before sending the assignment, you must rename the file in the following format: LastnameFirstname-papernumber.doc. Example: JacksonChristopher-paper1.doc. Put your name, course name, and the assignment name in the subject line of the e-mail. If the file is not properly named, it will not be accepted.
Please do not “borrow” material from the web without providing proper citations and enclosing direct quotations in quotation marks. Otherwise, it will be considered plagiarism, and the penalties will be severe.
Due, by e-mail, Wednesday, April 25, 2012.