The Epic of Gilgamesh

Literature Reflection: (50 points) What can we learn about the values of the culture that produced this work of literature? And what is the significance for those of us reading it today?

Instructions:
A. Save a copy of these instructions to your own Google Drive.
B. Use the information gained from this narrative and your class seminar discussion to write a 2-page reflection.
I. Introduction: Summarize in your own words the historical context of this story. Include:
A. Who wrote this? What can you infer about the author? (Authorship has been described and not simply stated.)
B. What is the story about?
C. When was it created? (Not just a date, but the historical context of what was going on when it was recorded or written.)
D. Where is the story taking place? How is life here portrayed? Choose a quote from the text that gives you some insight into this.
E. Who was the intended audience? (This may involve speculation, but provide your reasoning for that speculation.)
II. Body: Choose one theme to expand on that emerged from your reading and discussion of this text. Some potential themes to consider:

• City (civilization) vs. Nature (wilderness)
• The idea of immortality
• The inevitability of death
• Friendship/companionship
• Gender
• Love
• Loss
• The nature of the Gods
• The nature of urban life
• Other?
  A. Address the insights you gained about this theme as pertaining to this historical era. Include:

1. A topic sentence that introduces the theme.
2. An explanation of that theme. How does this theme show up in the story? What can you infer about this culture? Is there a moral or lesson being conveyed?
3. Provide 3 examples from the text, chapter reading, videos, or other sources, and/or seminar discussion that supports your conclusions and understandings about this theme historically.
   B. Address insights you gained that connect this historical narrative to our lives and the world we live in today. Include:
4. A topic sentence that states the main point or idea.
5. An explanation of that point.
6. Provide 3 examples from the text, discussion, and any outside