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Minimum of 1500 words (~5 pages) in length, 12-pt font, 1-inch margins
Take the comments, recommendations, corrections, questions, and general thoughts I have written about your midterm drafts and revise them to create a final draft of your paper. You should attempt to address all concerns I have with the paper by correcting any typos, grammar and spelling mistakes, sentences construction errors, awkward phrasing, poor arguments, logical non sequiturs, ineffective use of the text, etc. More importantly, you should think about how your revision improves upon the argument of your paper, the development of your original ideas, your engagement with the texts, and the presentation of your specific interpretations of the texts and the questions. It should be clear to me when I compare your earlier draft with the final draft that you have genuinely taken the time both to address all of the issues with the earlier version and that you have made your best effort to answer the prompt using an original argument and interpretation of the texts at hand.
The paper will be graded under the same criteria as the draft version with the addition of a comparative analysis between each version. If it is unclear to me how or whether you have revised the paper, it may impact your final grade. That said, midterm drafts that need fewer revisions, will have fewer items to address in the final draft; however, all final drafts will also require an expansion of issues first raised in the original draft.
comments from professor
See marginal comments. You have a good structure and a good general outline, but you’re lacking four things at the moment: 1) an intro, where you tell me what this paper is doing, 2) a conclusion which draws some broader conclusions about the importance of all this, 3) SPECIFIC reference to the texts that provides evidence for your claims, and 4) appropriate citations/quotations from the text showing me where your info is coming from (particularly in the last third of the paper). Basically, I feel like I’m reading an outline (a good one!) but I’m waiting for you to fill in all the details. Your connecting of the Gilgamesh/Enkidu relationship to the Achilles/Patroclus relationship is quite thoughtful and should be expanded on. Also, your historical connections section is VERY tantalizing, but you need to support it with more evidence, citations, and quotations. Do these things, and your final version will be much improved.
Plagiarism
You are expected to write primarily in your own voice, using paraphrase, summary, and synthesis techniques when integrating information from class and outside sources. Use an author’s exact words only when the language is especially vivid, unique, or needed for technical accuracy. Failure to do so may result in charges of academic dishonesty.
Overusing an author’s exact words, such as including block quotations to meet word counts, may lead your readers to conclude that you lack appropriate comprehension of the subject matter or that you are neither an original thinker nor a skillful writer.
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Gilgamesh and the Iliad Epics
2
Gilgamesh and the Iliad Epics
Differences
The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad, being pioneering literary works of the ancient era,
can be instrumental in helping people understand the civilizations of their origin. Each of these
epics uniquely depicts the respective culture’s values, morals, and traditions, thus showing that
Sumerian and Greek civilizations differed. The Epic of Gilgamesh, coming from the ancient
Mesopotamian cultures of Sumer, Babylon, and Akkad, points to important cultural values and
norms. First, the story shows the value of kingship through Gilgamesh, Uruk’s strong and
sometimes harsh king. His battles with evil characters, where he slays the monsters and quests
for immortality, demonstrate the Mesopotamian adoration of heroic feats and the pursuit of
eminence (Sandars, 1960). In addition, the epic accentuates the themes of mortality and death’s
definition as Gilgamesh confronts his mortality and submits himself to the fact that humans will
eventually die. This existential theme mirrors Mesopotamians’ worldview, which frequently
concentrated on unpredictability and the fluctuations of life.
In addition, the Epic of Gilgamesh depicts a complicated relationship between gods and
people, presenting the Mesopotamian belief in the gods active in the people’s lives as a pantheon
of deities. Gilgamesh’s direct dealings with supernatural beings, like his refusal to have a sexual
relationship with the goddess Inanna and his meeting with the immortal Utanapishtim, point to
the purity and importance of the gods in Mesopotamian society. The story also portrays the
friendship and companionship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, demonstrating the value placed on
loyalty and kinship in Mesopotamian cultures.
On the contrary, the Iliad portrays ancient Greek nationality’s practices and conventions
and reveals the Classical Greece. Central to the epic is the concept of heroism, as the narrative
3
revolves around the heroic exploits of legendary warriors such as Achilles and Hector (Homer,
1991). The idea of arete, or excellence, is paramount in Greek culture, and the warriors in the
Iliad strive to achieve glory and honor through bravery in battle. Additionally, the epic
emphasizes the importance of fate and destiny, as prophecies and divine interventions shape the
course of events in the Trojan War. Moreover, the Iliad explores themes of honor, loyalty, and
leadership responsibilities, reflecting the Greek aristocracy’s values. Achilles’ rage, subsequent
reconciliation with Agamemnon, and Hector’s dedication to defending Troy and his family
illustrate the complex moral dilemmas Greek heroes face in pursuing honor and glory. The epic
also delves into the relationships between gods and mortals, depicting the Olympian gods as
capricious and meddling entities intervening in human affairs for their purposes.
Similarities
The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad are strikingly alike in that they reflect the core
values, morals, and traditions followed by the cultures that crafted them. Both of them show the
exemplary socio-political and belief systems of their societies. The foremost characteristic in
common is the protagonists’ representation. The main characters in the epic of Gilgamesh and
Achilles epitomize force, courage, and decisiveness in a war. They are being glorified due to
their brave acts and seen as mythic personas in their societies.
Besides, personal growth and development become the main characteristics of both
Gilgamesh and Achilles during their trips. They wrestle with the questions of their existence,
deal with the issue of their mortality, and ultimately understand the fragility of human beings.
This testifies that an individual’s search for meaning and perception in hardship is the most
significant. Additionally, both epics underscore the themes of destiny, fate, and gods’ part in
human matters. Gods are the most important players in the Epic of Gilgamesh; they determine
4
the protagonist’s future, influence their life greatly, and give him guidelines to follow. Similarly,
in Iliad, the gods and goddesses are presented as powerful beings who can decide the course of
the Trojan War and dictate whether a mortal man wins or loses the war. This is a sign of the
cultural belief of the universe as a divinely ordered area where humans have no choice but to
respect higher powers.
Honor, loyalty, and responsibility towards society are also fundamental in both epics. In
the Iliad, Greek soldiers commit their lives to oaths of fidelity and love, and their actions are
based on a sense of obligation to their king and colleagues. Likewise, in the Epic of Gilgamesh,
the protagonist’s path is fueled by a need to safeguard his city and to carry out the tasks entrusted
to him as a ruler (Sandars, 1960). This means communal solidarity and mutual prosperity were
important values for the people of Mesopotamia and Greece in those ancient times.
Correspondingly, both epics also highlight the worth of friendship and companionship. The
primary subject of Gilgamesh’s friendship with Enkidu is the importance of interpersonal
relationships and the transformational power of companionship. Similarly, the relationship
between Achilles and Patroclus is a crucial part of the Iliad, demonstrating the depth of loyalty
and the psychological effects of loss in the face of conflict.
Historical Connections
Historical ties can be made between the people who wrote the stories of “The Epic of
Gilgamesh” and “The Iliad” based on various features. First, both these epics were created by the
civilizations of ancient times, which were interconnected by commerce, political interactions,
and conflicts. Mesopotamia, where The Epic of Gilgamesh originated, was the cultural exchange
center where city-states such as Uruk interacted with nearby countries through politics and trade.
Likewise, the marine trade networks and exchanges with other Mediterranean civilizations like
5
the Mycenaeans and Minoans typified ancient Greece, the setting of the Iliad. The peoples of
Mesopotamia and Greece could share ideas, customs, and legends more efficiently thanks to
these relationships.
Furthermore, traces of trade routes and carefully built diplomatic ties between
Mesopotamia and the Aegean world during the Bronze Age are evidenced by archaeological
sites. These sites shows that the creators of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad were historically
connected people. Objects such as pots, seals, and inscriptions found on archaeological sites in
places like Ugarit, Troy, and Mycenae give something real to hold onto and demonstrate cultural
exchange and interaction between civilizations of the ancient Near East and Greece.
Furthermore, the commonalities between the peoples who created the epics can be determined
through comparative studies of their religious convictions, social organization, and political
entities. Greek and Mesopotamian communities were polytheistic, with pantheons of gods and
goddesses that actively influenced mortal existence. Both societies also had hierarchical social
systems, with rulers or monarchs controlling a sizable amount of political power.
6
References
Homer. (1991). The Iliad (Penguin Classics) . Penguin Books.
Sandars, N. K. (1960). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Assyrian International News Agency.
https://archive.org/details/TheEpicofGilgamesh_201606/page/n3/mode/2up
1
Gilgamesh and the Iliad Epics
2
Gilgamesh and the Iliad Epics
Differences
The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad, being pioneering literary works of the ancient era,
can be instrumental in helping people understand the civilizations of their origin. Each of these
epics uniquely depicts the respective culture’s values, morals, and traditions, thus showing that
Sumerian and Greek civilizations differed. The Epic of Gilgamesh, coming from the ancient
Mesopotamian cultures of Sumer, Babylon, and Akkad, points to important cultural values and
norms. First, the story shows the value of kingship through Gilgamesh, Uruk’s strong and
sometimes harsh king. His battles with evil characters, where he slays the monsters and quests
for immortality, demonstrate the Mesopotamian adoration of heroic feats and the pursuit of
eminence (Sandars, 1960). In addition, the epic accentuates the themes of mortality and death’s
definition as Gilgamesh confronts his mortality and submits himself to the fact that humans will
eventually die. This existential theme mirrors Mesopotamians’ worldview, which frequently
concentrated on unpredictability and the fluctuations of life.
2024-02-25 02:13:35
——————————————-This is a good descriptive paragraph
In addition, the Epic of Gilgamesh depicts a complicated relationship
between
that
tells megods
aboutand
Gilgamesh.
However, you should put a paragraph
introduces the whole
people, presenting the Mesopotamian belief in the gods active in the people’sbefore
lives this
as athat
pantheon
thing: mention that you’re going to
compare Gilgamesh and the Iliad and
of deities. Gilgamesh’s direct dealings with supernatural beings, like his refusal
have a sexual
moretoimportantly,
tell me specifically
what you’re planning to argue about
relationship with the goddess Inanna and his meeting with the immortal Utanapishtim,
this, or what point
claim to
your making.
2024-02-25 02:18:10
the purity and importance of the gods in Mesopotamian society. The story also
portrays the
——————————————-Yes, though Enkidu is “tamed” from
friendship and companionship of Gilgamesh and Enkidu, demonstrating thebeing
valueaplaced
onto being civilized by a
wild man
loyalty and kinship in Mesopotamian cultures.
week of sex with a prostitute. Might
there be something more complex
about the relationship between the
sexuality and divinity?
2024-02-25
02:19:32
On the contrary, the Iliad portrays ancient Greek nationality’s practices
and conventions
——————————————-Iliad is prior to classical Greece: it’s set
and reveals the Classical Greece. Central to the epic is the concept of heroism,
as the narrative
in the late Mycenaean era and written
during the late Greek dark ages.
3
revolves around the heroic exploits of legendary warriors such as Achilles and Hector (Homer,
1991). The idea of arete, or excellence, is paramount in Greek culture, and the warriors in the
Iliad strive to achieve glory and honor through bravery in battle. Additionally, the epic
emphasizes the importance of fate and destiny, as prophecies and divine interventions shape the
2024-02-25 02:20:34
course of events in the Trojan War. Moreover, the Iliad explores themes of honor,
loyalty, and
——————————————-Good, could you be more specific
here?
Orsubsequent
give some examples from the
leadership responsibilities, reflecting the Greek aristocracy’s values. Achilles’
rage,
text? At the moment this paragraph
like a back-cover-of-the-book
reconciliation with Agamemnon, and Hector’s dedication to defending Troyreads
and his
family
synopsis rather than a critical analysis.
illustrate the complex moral dilemmas Greek heroes face in pursuing honor and glory. The epic
also delves into the relationships between gods and mortals, depicting the Olympian gods as
capricious and meddling entities intervening in human affairs for their purposes.
Similarities
The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad are strikingly alike in that they reflect the core
values, morals, and traditions followed by the cultures that crafted them. Both of them show the
2024-02-25 02:21:53
exemplary socio-political and belief systems of their societies. The foremost——————————————-characteristic in
….which are?
common is the protagonists’ representation. The main characters in the epic of Gilgamesh and
Niermeier-Dohoney
Achilles epitomize force, courage, and decisiveness in a war. They are beingJustin
glorified
due to
2024-02-25 02:22:20
——————————————-How so? They seem to have some
similar motivations (immortality) and an
Besides, personal growth and development become the main characteristics
of action
both (the death of a
impetus for
friend) but they have very different
motivations.
Could you be more
Gilgamesh and Achilles during their trips. They wrestle with the questions of
their existence,
specific here?
their brave acts and seen as mythic personas in their societies.
deal with the issue of their mortality, and ultimately understand the fragility of human beings.
This testifies that an individual’s search for meaning and perception in hardship is the most
significant. Additionally, both epics underscore the themes of destiny, fate, 2024-02-25
and gods’02:24:26
part in
——————————————-Citations through here? Quotes?
human matters. Gods are the most important players in the Epic of Gilgamesh; they determine
4
the protagonist’s future, influence their life greatly, and give him guidelines to follow. Similarly,
in Iliad, the gods and goddesses are presented as powerful beings who can decide the course of
the Trojan War and dictate whether a mortal man wins or loses the war. This is a sign of the
cultural belief of the universe as a divinely ordered area where humans have no choice but to
respect higher powers.
2024-02-25 02:23:34
——————————————-Again, this is all fine, but it’s still
Honor, loyalty, and responsibility towards society are also fundamental
in both epics.
In You should be
extraordinarily
general.
VERY specific, give me examples from
textactions
for each
of your points, and
the Iliad, Greek soldiers commit their lives to oaths of fidelity and love, andthe
their
are
use that as evidence to support your
claims.
based on a sense of obligation to their king and colleagues. Likewise, in the Epic of Gilgamesh,
the protagonist’s path is fueled by a need to safeguard his city and to carry out the tasks entrusted
to him as a ruler (Sandars, 1960). This means communal solidarity and mutual prosperity were
important values for the people of Mesopotamia and Greece in those ancient times.
Correspondingly, both epics also highlight the worth of friendship and companionship. The
primary subject of Gilgamesh’s friendship with Enkidu is the importance of interpersonal
relationships and the transformational power of companionship. Similarly, the relationship
between Achilles and Patroclus is a crucial part of the Iliad, demonstrating the depth of loyalty
and the psychological effects of loss in the face of conflict.
2024-02-25 02:24:57
——————————————-Yes, this is good. Frankly, you could
Historical Connections
write your entire paper about these filial
obligations and relationships (both their
and differences).
Historical ties can be made between the people who wrote the storiessimilarities
of “The Epic
of
Gilgamesh” and “The Iliad” based on various features. First, both these epics were created by the
civilizations of ancient times, which were interconnected by commerce, political interactions,
and conflicts. Mesopotamia, where The Epic of Gilgamesh originated, was the cultural exchange
center where city-states such as Uruk interacted with nearby countries through politics and trade.
Likewise, the marine trade networks and exchanges with other Mediterranean civilizations like
5
the Mycenaeans and Minoans typified ancient Greece, the setting of the Iliad. The peoples of
Mesopotamia and Greece could share ideas, customs, and legends more efficiently thanks to
these relationships.
2024-02-25 02:25:58
——————————————-Good. Sources?
Furthermore, traces of trade routes and carefully built diplomatic ties between
Mesopotamia and the Aegean world during the Bronze Age are evidenced by archaeological
sites. These sites shows that the creators of the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Iliad were historically
connected people. Objects such as pots, seals, and inscriptions found on archaeological sites in
places like Ugarit, Troy, and Mycenae give something real to hold onto and demonstrate cultural
exchange and interaction between civilizations of the ancient Near East and Greece.
Furthermore, the commonalities between the peoples who created the epics can be determined
through comparative studies of their religious convictions, social organization, and political
entities. Greek and Mesopotamian communities were polytheistic, with pantheons of gods and
2024-02-25 02:26:16
goddesses that actively influenced mortal existence. Both societies also had ——————————————-hierarchical social
This is interesting and fairly original for
the paper topic. Do you have citations
systems, with rulers or monarchs controlling a sizable amount of political power.
for this? If so, please put them in the
paper and expand on this because it
will make for a much more interesting
read!
2024-02-25 02:26:58
——————————————-Conclusions?
6
References
Homer. (1991). The Iliad (Penguin Classics) . Penguin Books.
Sandars, N. K. (1960). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Assyrian International News Agency.
https://archive.org/details/TheEpicofGilgamesh_201606/page/n3/mode/2up
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