Why are Tablets III and IV important moments to teach?

As I mentioned in the summaries, these tablets are very fragmented, which--I suppose--is a nice reprieve for you guys since you don't have to read my long summaries and educational ramblings.  These tablets, although short, bring up very teachable moments that a modern student can relate to.  In these two tablets, there are two moments that I want to discuss because they're important in terms of the rest of the plot. 

The first moment is Ninsun's calling upon of Shamash.  Shamash (and other gods) are going to be important throughout the entire poem.  Ninsun questions Shamash as to why he made Gilgamesh so restless.  Modern students (and really anyone) can probably relate to a questioning of a higher being.  Why did this happen to me?  Why am I like this?  These existential questions are a main theme to the poem (and I'll discuss it in more depth as it crops up later throughout the poem as more questions arise).  Existential questions are part of humanity, and can be very relatable to students.  Also, in this moment, readers see the ancients' belief about the relationship between themselves and gods; this is going to be very important in later tablets. 

The second thing in these two tablets that is brought up is friendship.  Enkidu and Gilgamesh's relationship is a deep, deep love for one another.  Many scholars note the homoerotic relationship between the two, and their relationship is the most important in the poem and drives the plot.  In these tablets, questions arise as to the purpose of Enkidu on this journey.  The elders tell Enkidu to protect Gilgamesh and that he must bring their king back.  Is Enkidu a companion or servant?  This relationship can provide a lively discussion of friendship and the responsibility between friends.

These two moments can be used for Socratic seminar in the classroom.  I think these seminars can provide a lot of insight into what the students are thinking about a text and how they connect to it.  It also gives other students an opportunity to see other perspectives on existential questions and friendships.  For ideas about Socratic seminar, you can click the following link:  Socratic Seminar Strategies.

Today was a pretty short day because of the fragmentation of the tablets, but there are important things to get out of them.  These two tablets really contribute to the rising action and climax of the poem, which means they're coming up soon!  Prepare for some battling, bloodiness, and death! 

Tomorrow is Tablets V and VI!

Cassy