Repetition in the Epic of Gilgamesh (Essay Sample)

Name College Course Date Repetition in the Epic of Gilgamesh In the epic of Gilgamesh, there are several instances where the stylistic device known as repetition has been used. The first example is found in the first chapter (123-125) where it states, "... There was a man came [by the watering hole.] Mightiest in the land, strength [he possesses,] [his strength] is as mighty [as a rock] from the sky…” This phrase is then repeated in verbatim form in the same chapter at 150. In both of those scenes, the hunter states these words while he is talking to two different people, trying to find out information about Enkidu, King Gilgamesh and his father. In both those instances, he is seen to be using the exact same words. One of the most likely reasons why writers resort to repetition is for the purpose of emphasis. When certain words are uttered more than once, sometimes even more than twice, they are more likely to stick in the mind of the reader, when this happens; the reader is likely to be curious about why the author finds those specific words important enough for them to be said over and over. The style will therefore most of the time be used when the reading is quite long and the writer knows that this specific information is not only important for the story, but is likely to have an effect later in the reading, thus the need for the reader to remember the words even as he goes on with the rest of the story. This is why the authors will only used this style in the most important and crucial parts of the writing. In this context, the motive of the writer is to make the reader aware of the strength that Enkidu has. A different kind of repetition is also noticeable in the reading. This time, instead of repeating certain words or phrases, the writer has repeated certain facts and story lines. For instance, there is the fact that King Gilgamesh forces brides who are new to have sexual relations with him as their new husbands watch. If this had been stated just once in the book, the reader would react, but would probably forget about it especially when another interesting part comes as he progresses with the reading. Therefore, repeating this fact more than once means that the author wants the reader to develop a certain opinion of the king that they should carry with them throughout the reading. Evoking the anger and disgust of the reader over and over again is one sure way of achieving this. Once the audience has understood this fact about the king, it is easy for him to also understand the passion that Enkidu has towards stopping the bad habits of the king. This therefore makes it easier for the writer to create a sense of leadership and heroism which he centers on Enkidu. In this instant again, it is safe to say that repetition has been used for the emphasis of a certain point. Repetition can also come in the form of certain concepts. For instance, in the book there are certain phrases, that although are not same, have very similar characteristics and carry almost the same message. One such incident is as follows, "May the pasture lands shriek in mourning as if it were your mother...?" (8). "May the holy river Ulaja along whose banks we grandly used to stroll, mourn you" (16) "May the farmer, who extols your name in his sweet work song, mourn you…?" (19). The repetition in this case has been used for the purpose of giving weight to the description of the whole journey through Cedar forest. Repetition can also be used to make narration easier and also to enable the reader to remember things easily. When certain phrases are used at different stages in the na...