Paper #1 Assignment: The Mysteries of Gilgamesh

Short papers, like this one, are a way to explore a single, focused idea while the reading is still fresh in your mind. It’s designed as a kind of warm-up for the longer, critical papers, and should be approached as a first draft rather than something to endlessly stress over. Remember to get right to the point; don’t waste time with a lengthy introduction that dances around the subject. Hit the ground running by directly responding to the ‘conversation’ of the questions below...

ASSIGNMENT: As you’ve noticed reading Andrew George’s edition of Gilgamesh (or another version), the text is full of omissions and other lacunae that only hint at what might have been. If we could find one or more of these missing pieces, the story might change dramatically—or at least become more clear and understandable. To that end, I want you to choose one significant blank passage (of a few lines or no more than a page) and complete the passage in a way that is artistically satisfying or illuminating. Imagine not only what might have been there, but what should be there to satisfy a modern audience. Explain what lines/ideas are missing and explain why this is a significant and meaningful completion. Don’t make it too simple, either: consider how a hidden character motivation or a cosmic plot point might have been buried away in a crumbled tablet. In other words, help us (21^st century English speakers) read the ‘hidden’ Gilgamesh lost to the ages.

NOTE: If you have a different version of the text, discuss a passage that simply doesn’t make sense, or seems too abrupt or confusing. Explain what you think is missing and why it could be expanded on, changed, or added to. Even in the best translation, there are parts of the epic that simply don’t add up. Where are they, and what would a modern audience need to see/understand to appreciate the true story of the epic?

EX: In Tablet V, page  40 of the George translation, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are approaching Humbaba's lair. The text narrates: "One...they stole into...Humbaba...Gilgamesh opened his mouth to speak, saying to Enkidu...What, my friend...For Enil..." There's so much missing here, and it would be interesting to know how they snuck into his domain, what they encountered, if Gilgamesh required further encouragement, if Humbaba saw them, if they knew the gods were on their side, etc.

REQUIREMENTS

* No set page limit, but I wouldn’t go beyond 4 pages (pace yourself!)

* Quote passages from the text (don’t just summarize): examine the language to support your ideas

* Cite according to MLA format (no WC needed, since it’s only one work)

* Due Friday, September 6^th by 5pm [in my box, HM 348]