In discussion section we are going to be exploring key themes and topics in Gilgamesh that can tell us about some of the values, beliefs and ideas that were important to the Mesopotamian cultures from which the epic derives. We will consider these themes again when we examine Homer' s Iliad in order to compare and contrast attitudes and beliefs.

INSTRUCTIONS. Following is a list of themes/topics, and questions to think about as you examine them. To prepare for discussion section, please read (and re-read&emdash;a piece of advice that pertains to the source readings in general) Gilgamesh carefully, looking for where these themes occur, what is important about them, and what you can extract about the culture that produced them, that is, what we can say about their significance for understanding the particular culture. (You will notice that many of the themes overlap.) But be attentive to the issue of how far we should generalize! Whose perspectives are we learning about? Whose perspectives are we not learning about?

Important: in order for discussion section to be effective, you need to have specific passages in mind, not simply a vague recollection that you read something somewhere that was relevant! So, as you go through the reading, 1) compile a list of at least three examples that are particularly significant for illustrating the themes and 2) think about what conclusions you can draw on the basis of them. Write down the page and/or line numbers, with a brief sentence about what the passage pertains to as a reminder, and what your opinion of it is as support for the questions and themes. You will be asked to hand in this assignment.

1. The qualities of a hero.

How important to Gilgamesh is reputation (i.e. how one appears to one's peers), honor, and fame (to one's peers as well as to posterity)? Is it enough for him to know he is the strongest and best, or is it necessary to demonstrate it, and if so, why? Do you think Gilgamesh is being represented as a hero, and if, so, what are the characteristics of a hero in this culture?

2. The gods and religious beliefs.

How are humans (including partly divine heroes like Gilgamesh) supposed to behave toward gods? How are gods supposed to behave toward humans? Do humans have free will or are they completely controlled by the gods?

What motivates the gods' actions toward humans? What motivates humans' actions toward the gods? What actions are we talking about? (hint: think about why gods choose to help or harm humans and the consequences; think about sacrifice and gift-giving).

3. Women.

Within the contexts of the stories, what role do women play or what functions do they have? Are their opinions judged to have value? Do they have any power? (Focus on humans, but you can think about the goddesses.)

4. Compassion and pity.

Do gods or humans feel compassion and/or pity for others (gods toward humans, humans toward each other)?

5. Death and fate.

How is death viewed? How important is a proper burial and why does it matter?