1. Compare Ishtar in Gilgamesh to Eve in the Bible. How are these two legendary female figures alike? How are they different? In what ways do they wield power over man?
2. In ancient literature ideas were beginning to emerge about man's role in the world and to what extent he had control over his own fate. In what ways do Gilgamesh, Adam and Noah learn about their roles in the world? Discuss how each had to face his own weaknesses and limitations.
3. Both Gilgamesh and The Bible contain beastlike or monstrous characters that must be overcome in order to prove man's worthiness. Identify such characters in both works and describe their function in each story. How can they be compared and contrasted?
4. In what sense is Oedipus, though a king, an "everyman" figure, or someone representative of the human race? In other words, how might this play be said to explore something fundamental about the limitations involved in being human?
5. Compare Achilles to Oedipus by making a parallel between each hero's character flaws. In what ways do they each become tragic figures through these chief vices?