Gilgamesh Themes

Option 1

EN 231 is a literature course focusing on a central theme. Throughout the centuries, although the era had changed, the theme of love and power remained constant. Gilgamesh was the first story taught in EN 231. The story of Gilgamesh was an ideal example of the themes. It represented everything that was taught in this literature course. The theme of power was present in Gilgamesh from the start. Gilgamesh was so powerful that he abused it every day. He slept with many inappropriate women because he had no accountability for his actions. He had brought fear into the eyes of his kingdom. This power is consistent with the power its seen not only in the ancient period, but also in the medieval period. In the medieval period, The Thousand

This teaches that the accountability of people with power did not change between the seventh century and the fourteenth century, thus showing that abuse of power was and is a very common issue throughout the century. Love is another theme that is recurrent in this EN 231 class. It begins when we read of Gilgamesh and his friendship with Enkidu. Gilgamesh is converted from an arrogant king, into a profound leader after Enkidu reminds him of his mortality. Enkidu is also molded from a savage man into a civilized character. Their transformations reveal how the love between two people can alter even the most course hearts. Although this is not an intimate love, the love Gilgamesh and Enkidu have for each other is truly powerful. In another aspect, Maria de France introduces the tale of Bisclavret. This tells the story of deceit in a marriage. Bisclavret must keep his identity of a werewolf hidden from everyone However, his doubtful wife refuses to trust him which creates a substantial ordeal for Bisclavret. Although the love of his wife fails, the king finds loyalty in Bisclavret even as a werewolf. The loyalty between Bisclavret and the king is recognized as unconditional