Literature Class of 2014
Fyffe Senior bloggers worked on Battle of the Royal Epics
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Foil: Gilgamesh and Enkidu
In the epic,Gilgamesh, we see the use of a foil between Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu. A foil is a character who helps define another character by contrast. The biggest contrast between these two characters is there personality traits. Enkidu is wise, cowardly and thinks through every situation before making a decision. Where as Gilgamesh is courageous, strong willed, and impulsive. Enkidu is the perfect example of a foil because for what Gilgamesh lacks in personality traits Enkidu makes up for.
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Another way that Gilgamesh and Enkidu are foils of one another is the fact that Gilgamesh is two-thirds god, and Enkidu is full human. Also, Gilgamesh was raised in a very civilized environment, while Enkidu was raised in the wild. Lastly, Gilgamesh loves the thought of an adventure; whereas Enkidu was more timid.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the biggest contrast between the Gilgamesh and Enkidu is their personality traits. Enkidu knows that fighting Humbaba will end badly and doesn't want to, but Gilgamesh doesn't listen. Gilgamesh was only worried about gaining immortality and acted selfishly.
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