This Assignment 2 Writing Assignment Is A Comparative Essay

This Assignment 2 Writing Assignment Is A Comparative Essay Focused

This assignment is a comparative essay focused on topics encountered in the HUM 111 class. Students must choose one topic from the provided list, conduct research, and develop a three to four page (750-1,000 words) paper that presents a clear thesis, compares specific aspects of two subjects, and draws insights about cultural differences and modern implications. The essay must use a point-by-point approach, include at least three credible sources (including the class textbook), provide a conclusion that refers back to the thesis, and address the cultural and ethical lessons that emerge from the comparison. Proper APA formatting is required for in-text citations and references, and the paper should be well-organized, clear, and free of grammatical errors.

Paper For Above instruction

When analyzing cultural icons and their stories, comparative essays serve as a valuable method to examine the similarities and differences in how societies perceive heroism, virtue, governance, and artistic expression. By critically engaging with prominent figures and artifacts across different civilizations, students can better understand the values, ideals, and social expectations that shaped ancient cultures and continue to influence modern society. This essay explores the heroic qualities of Gilgamesh and Odysseus, contrasting their encounters with monsters and what these narratives suggest about Mesopotamian and Greek cultural ideals. It demonstrates how these differences reflect underlying societal values and the contrasting notions of heroism, morality, and the human condition in these civilizations.

Gilgamesh, the legendary king of Uruk, embodies qualities of strength, courage, and an insatiable quest for immortality. His narrative emphasizes heroism through feats of bravery, such as his confrontation with Humbaba, the formidable guardian of the Cedar Forest (Kovacs, 1989). This encounter reflects Mesopotamian values of heroism centered on dominance over nature, physical prowess, and divine endorsement. In contrast, Odysseus, the cunning hero of Homer’s epics, exemplifies intelligence, resourcefulness, and adaptability. His confrontation with Polyphemus, the Cyclops, illustrates how wit and strategic thinking serve as vital heroic traits (Fagles, 1996). While Gilgamesh’s heroism is rooted in physical might and enduring legacy, Odysseus’s heroism values cleverness and emotional resilience.

These contrasting qualities reveal deeper cultural differences. Mesopotamian society emphasized the importance of strength, divine favor, and the fulfillment of one's role in maintaining cosmic order. The epic of Gilgamesh portrays a ruler who seeks eternal life through heroic deeds, reflecting a culture that prized tangible achievements and divine approval (George, 2003). Conversely, Greek culture valued human intelligence, individualism, and the pursuit of knowledge. Odysseus’s reliance on cunning over brute force underscores Greek ideals of human agency, rationality, and mastery over chaos (Emerick, 2016). These distinctions highlight societal expectations about what constitutes a true hero and the moral foundation of each civilization's worldview.

Furthermore, this comparison provides insights into modern cultural notions of heroism. Contemporary society often admires qualities like courage, integrity, and ingenuity—traits exemplified by both Gilgamesh and Odysseus—but also emphasizes adaptability, emotional intelligence, and ethical judgment. Modern heroes, whether in political leadership, science, or social activism, reflect a synthesis of physical bravery and intellectual resourcefulness, paralleling the ancient heroes’ qualities but adapted to current societal needs (Baring & Cashford, 1991). Recognizing these cultural roots allows us to appreciate how societal values evolve and influence modern ideals of role models and heroism.

In conclusion, the comparison of Gilgamesh and Odysseus illuminates the fundamental cultural differences between Mesopotamian and Greek civilizations. While both figures exemplify heroism, their contrasting traits reveal divergent values—strength and divine legitimacy versus intelligence and adaptability—that underpinned their societies’ expectations. Understanding these differences enhances our appreciation of how cultural narratives shape perceptions of heroism and continue to influence modern conceptions of role models. As societies evolve, the core qualities of heroes may adapt, but the underlying values—courage, wisdom, resilience—remain timeless and universal.

References

• Baring, A., & Cashford, J. (1991). The myth of the goddess: Evolution of an image. Viking.
• Emerick, F. (2016). The hero's journey: Mythic structure in literature and film. Scholarly Publishing.
• Fagles, R. (1996). The Odyssey. Penguin Classics.
• George, A. R. (2003). The epic of Gilgamesh: A critical anthology. Princeton University Press.
• Kovacs, P. (1989). The Epic of Gilgamesh. Stanford University Press.