Difference Between Genesis And The Epic Of Gilgamesh

In the literary works, the book of Genesis and The Epic Of Gilgamesh it puts a focus on the use of character development. Through establishing a fundamental understanding of a characters journey for self worth. Two characters that compare and contrast these ideologies is Noah from the book of Genesis and Gilgamesh from its own epic story. Readers look at these two characters from their perspective roles as saviors for the greater good of people. However, readers may question if their fight for mere existence is just to please themselves or for the greater good of society? Noah’s ambitions are in favor of a higher power which is God that directs him to achieve solidarity for future generations, while everyone else in the present be casted away …show more content…
From the start Gilgamesh is seen as a striking leader, who shows full control over the people of Uruk by his unbridled control over the woman. Further noting his vitality and tyrant rule over the land. Sparking the questions, is Gilgamesh selfish and does he only care about maintaining his ruling? This proves not to be true; once Gilgamesh builds a strong bond with Enkidu and understands the value of their friendship he becomes vulnerable in the sense that he gains emotional attachment and affection towards him. “They kissed each other and become friends” (67, line 72). But, Enkidu passes because of the decision from the great gods of Anu, Enlil, and Shamash for killing Humbaba and the Bull of Heaven. This results in a complete shift of Gilgamesh’s reflections towards human life. Gilgamesh cries by the reaction from the Gods decision in knowing that he will soon be left without his close friend. Therefore, the lose of Enkidu ultimately humanizes Gilgamesh in showing his real life human emotion. Psychotherapist Judith Kay Nelson expounds on the notion of crying by examining “that securely attached people are more comfortable expressing emotions and cry in ways that are considered normal and healthy” (Lorna Collier). Further signifying the bond Gilgamesh allowed himself to have with Enkidu. Moreover, this is a specific moment of change for Gilgamesh, and what later follows is when he …show more content…
God impacted Noah that changed his life completely by believing in him to fulfill Gods obligations in building an arc. But because of God’s influence on Noah he becomes to realize his newfound power. Causing him to change his self of image in front of his family and the all-knowing God, while possibly unraveling his true identity all along. While, Enkidu challenged Gilgamesh to change his self of awareness from being an oppressor to becoming more reflective in his actions. He discovers the mere essence of life’s cruelty in becoming not existent. Therefore, he becomes fearful in how long he might have to live “I fear death”(84, line 4). As a result he goes out to set on his journey to seek Utanapishtim in retrieving eternal life. Moreover, even though they go through these transformations there impacted individually by different drives to reach their self-fulfillment. Noah is motivated by an external drive that accounts for society influences. For example, going up against God’s challenge to please him while saving his family, preserving future generations, and dealing with environment factors of a horrific flood signifies Noah’s fight against societal challenges that are brought his way. If he fails humanity’s blame is on his shoulders, which he must endure while the “eyes” of God look down upon him with contempt. On the other hand, Gilgamesh is influenced by an