Various literary works were published to enlarge the pool of knowledge connected to literary narrative techniques in epics. The work by Altes called Ethos and Narrative Interpretation: The Negotiation of Values in Fiction explores the interplay of ethos, character, and narrative. The book also covers literary conventions and how they interact and augment both narrative and interpretation of narrative (Altes 8). The essay can benefit the research project by providing a more in-depth exploration of literary devices and narratives. Furthermore, the book can help in exploring more nuances in the story of both Gilgamesh and The Odyssey. Both epics deal with various aspects of ethos, so a book examining ethos from the standpoint of fiction will benefit the overall essay.
Furthermore, some articles have focused on exploring the setting and the context of ancient poetry. The 2016 paper by Laura Feldt discusses the overlap of religion and nature by investigating the mountain range in ancient Mesopotamia. The author claims that it is a wild and unstable territory; however, it is also typically overflowing, primal, and harbors patterns of freedom and strength (Feldt 347). Feldt also considers it the place for magical change, brave actions, and honest communication with the Gods. This study will help me understand the context of the story from the original audience’s perspective. Thus, to fully comprehend Gilgamesh’s symbolism and metaphors, it is essential to learn more about the Mesopotamia region and the traditions and customs prevalent in this part of the world.
Moreover, scholars have continuously written about the historical context of Gilgamesh to help readers learn more about the story. The study created by David Leon Higdon in 2019 discusses the latest discoveries of cuneiform stones that have allowed editors and translators to finish the text of The Epic of Gilgamesh. The article examines five dreams experienced before having a battle with Humbaba, Enkidu’s analysis, and Siduri’s particular speeches’ fundamental reassignments (Higdon 253). He claims that these parts of the epic mainly improve Shamesh’s role as guardian and mentor of Gilgamesh and set the dreams as positive powers in Gilgamesh’s experiences. The article is especially helpful in my research, as it enables me to learn more about the aspect of dreams in the epic. It is vital because to examine the theme of faith in Gilgamesh, comprehending the essence of dreams is necessary.
Lastly, academics have published extensive materials connected to both epics because of their cultural significance. Reading Homer’s Odyssey is a commentary on The Odyssey from a scholar of ancient Greek literature. The book covers the plot and central themes of the text, gives insight into the myths and conventions of Greek literature for a non-specialist reader (Myrsiades 10). The Odyssey is an ancient text, and any literary analysis will benefit from better background knowledge on the subject matter. Furthermore, Reading Homer’s Odyssey identifies particular literary norms common to ancient Greek stories that might be obscure to a modern reader. Reading The Odyssey with expert commentary will be beneficial for a literary analysis, as it contains insights into the narrative of the text.
Works Cited
Altes, Liesbeth Korthals. Ethos and Narrative Interpretation: The Negotiation of Values in Fiction. University of Nebraska Press, 2014.
Feldt, Laura. “Religion, Nature, and Ambiguous Space in Ancient Mesopotamia: The Mountain Wilderness in Old Babylonian Religious Narratives.” Numen, vol. 63, no. 4, 2016, pp. 347–382., Web.
Higdon, David Leon. “The Favorable Prophetic Dreams in the Sumerian Gilgamesh.” Dreaming, vol. 29, no. 3, 2019, pp. 253–263., Web.
Myrsiades, Kostas. Reading Homer’s Odyssey. Bucknell University Press, 2019.