Paper Topics | Fall 2023 | Paper 1
Due Saturday, September 16, 5:00 p.m., to your conference leader.
Length: 4-5 double-spaced pages (1,250-1,500 words)
The “standard version” of the Epic of Gilgamesh proposes three origin stories for Enkidu: that he was made out of clay by Aruru (tablet 1, lines 99-110 [p. 5]), that he is Ninsun's adoptive son (tablet 3, lines 117-128 [p. 26-7]), and that he was the "hatchling of a turtle and a terrapin" (tablet 5, lines 85-90 [p. 41]). In your paper, do a close reading of these three passages and compare the significance of these three views. Why does the text allow for all three? How do these origin stories relate to Enkidu’s place in the work as a whole?
(Line and page numbers refer to the Penguin Classics edition, copyright 1999/2003. If you have the newer edition, copyright 2020, the lines/pages are 1) tablet 1, lines 99-110 [p. 4]; 2) tablet 3, lines 117-128 [p. 26]; 3) tablet 5, lines 115-120, [p. 40].)
This question asks you to start practicing the skills of “close reading.” As you analyze the passage, pay close attention to the language, examining details such as imagery, diction (word choice), and the use of repetition and think about how the patterns you notice contribute to the meaning of the text as a whole.
In addition to consulting with your conference leader, you can get help with all stages of the writing process from peer tutors at the Writing Center. You can find links to the Writing Center hours on the Drop-in Tutoring Schedule website. Extra tutoring help will be available in the week leading up to paper due dates.