The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Coming of Age in Mississippi - Essay Example

For example, in The Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu is literally considered a powerful character. However, analyzing him as a character in a story, Enkidu is really a strong-type of character. He has been created to serve as a character exactly opposite to Gilgamesh-righteous, content, and mortal. Enkidu was there to fight Gilgamesh's filthy activities and oppressive works. In a way, Enkidu serves as Gilgamesh's conscience that directs him away from wrongdoings. He acts as if he is Gilgamesh's superego.

His actions are meant not to destroy Gilgamesh but rather to correct him. Enkidu is an opponent to Gilgamesh but with the purpose of changing his negative attitudes. He is an opponent but with a higher and better cause.To further illustrate, a scene in Tablet II of The Epic of Gilgamesh shows how Enkidu acts as Gilgamesh's opponent. Enkidu has heard Gilgamesh's plan of taking privilege of the marriage bed with another man's wife. For Enkidu, Gilgamesh's planned action is wrong and so he immediately went to Uruk to confront the King.

Enkidu made a stand during that situation that he would not let Gilgamesh do what he desires. Enkidu was indeed determined to stop Gilgamesh, but Gilgamesh's determination is as huge as his as well. Thus, the only solution that would resolve the conflict between them is by fighting. This situation clearly shows how the actions of the characters change the course of the events in a story. Because Enkidu was portrayed in the story as a determined one, the plot then goes instantly to the duel between him and Gilgamesh.

This means that the said attitude of Enkidu does not only alter the flow of the story. Indeed, his character and decision to stop Gilgamesh affect the actions and attitudes of other characters in the story as well, particularly those of Gilgamesh. After their fight, "Gilgamesh bent his knee, with his other foot on the ground, They kissed each other and became friends". (Tablet II, 17). Through this specific incident, many things have changed in the story. Enkidu's actions result in various changes in Gilgamesh's personality.

When the two of them became friends, they engaged themselves in several adventures and journeys. Gilgamesh eventually learned to be a righteous ruler. Thus, Enkidu's stand to stop Gilgamesh at the start of the story also brought positive social consequences.