English Literature / Comparison of Roland and Gilgamesh

In an essay of at least 300 words, compare and contrast one of the epic heroes from the first half of the class to one of the following epic heroes:  Roland, Sunjata, or Dante.  You should also discuss why you believe these similarities and/or differences exist.  Before you begin writing, you may want to think about the following:

• What obstacles must they overcome?
• What are their motivations?
• Who supports them and why?
• What are their weaknesses and strengths?
• How do they interact with their families, their own people, and others?
• Are they rewarded for their actions?  If so, with what?
• Where were the works composed or written?  When? By whom? Why?