Tablets V and VI are action-packed and we're almost to the climax of the story. We can see some definite foreshadowing in these two tablets that might lead one to guess what the climax could be about. Tablet V and VI are thrilling in terms of plot, but they also provide teachable moments for students.
Tablet V is the story of initiation. In Mesopotamian terms, Gilgamesh and Enkidu become initiated into manhood in this tablet. They leave home and their mother, Ninsun, to begin a journey to make a name for themselves. This initiation continues throughout the poem, but it begins in this tablet. It sounds familiar to a modern audience, especially to kids in high school who are about to begin an initiation journey of their own. Students will be leaving their parents and homes to begin a career or start college, making a name for themselves. It's not hard to share the same feelings as Gilgamesh and Enkidu as they make their own journey.
Tablet V also shows us that fear and death are inevitable, but it that they can be overcame by community, even if it is a community of two. As an individual, the thought of death can become paralyzing, but when one is a part of a community, one can become part of something bigger. As Gilgamesh and Enkidu discuss, death is small compared to the fame they will receive if they defeat Humbaba and cut down the cedar trees. Essentially, Gilgamesh and Enkidu believe they can become immortal through acts of valor. Community and a sense of culture are integral to the epic. Activities to compare one's own culture and the one of Gilgamesh can be done, again, so students can make connections. How does our culture handle initiation into adulthood? What about other cultures around the world? How do those compare to Gilgamesh? A good strategy to do this would be a think-pair-share. An explanation of think-pair-share can be found at the following link: Think-Pair-Share Resource.
To me, Tablet VI is one of the most interesting tablets in the epic. In terms of writing style, I think it's important for students to notice how witty Gilgamesh is when he's talking to Ishtar. It's a common day burn (if you don't know what that is, ask any teenager). The narrative point of view is pretty straightforward throughout the poem, but in parts like this, you can see the wit coming through.
Besides the wittiness of the dialogue here, I find Ishtar to be compelling, especially when compared to other females in the poem, such as Shamhat and Ninsun. Shamhat and Ninsun are both maternal and caring. Shamhat civilizes Enkidu and takes care of him. If you recall, Ninsun is characterized as clever. Ishtar, on the other hand, is characterized so negatively in this tablet. Is it because she is an independent woman? Is it because she a bad goddess? You can't tell me there couldn't be an engaging conversation about the similarities and differences of women in the poem. Remembering that Mesopotamia is highly patriarchal, is the epic upholding the role of women to the domestic realm (motherly, taking care of men) and disregarding women who are independent? How does our modern world (not just the United States, but other countries as well) feel about the role of women? High school girls would love to have that discussion.
Tablets V and VI give us teachable moments in discussing initiation and also gender roles. Let me tell you, those are fun topics. Just to let you know, tomorrow and Saturday are going to be a little different in terms of posting. I'll still post about the summaries and why the tablets are important (I think I hear your sigh of relief), but they'll be a little later, perhaps even into the night. I have to take my sister to a basketball tournament in Wichita. I'm such a good sister. But, my dear readers, don't fret, you will find out what the angered gods do to Gilgamesh and Enkidu and how the story wraps up.
Different time tomorrow, but same format. Tomorrow's forecast is chalk full of angry gods. Be prepared!
Cassy
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