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Week 1 Peer Responses

ENG 201 (MLA FORMAT)

Alexis: The epic of Gilgamesh has a specific traditional standard of characteristics. The author uses literary techniques that are full of imagery and symbolism throughout the length of the incredible journey. The imagery in this epic appeals mostly to the visual of the reader, vividly describing the display and landscape of each scene of the grand quest. From kingdom to forest and even through other worlds, the author uses figurative language, symbols, and images that add to the dynamic of the protagonist’s and antagonist’s characteristics and demeanor, as well as the narrative of the story itself. For example, Gilgamesh is described to be the strongest man in the world, being one part mortal and two parts immortal ( Gilgamesh 2020). This can help to give the reader a dynamic impression that the main protagonist is an extraordinary character, seemingly larger-than-life, who is flawed in character as the story unfolds. The author’s choice of style is formulaic in using repetition of events, motifs, and quests that add detail in a complex sequence as the hero embarks to discover acceptance in identity. Considering this perspective is significant because it can lead some readers to take captive the journey’s features, potentially entertaining others with its incredible victory by memorizing an oral representation that withstands generations of time. This epic follows a pattern of unusual symbols. The author uses strategic imagery to distinguish these symbols, such as the great wall of Uruk that the King built himself to symbolize the strength and the fortitude of mankind defended by Gilgamesh. The quest that Gilgamesh engages with can also be seen as a symbol to represent a journey of growth and development that ultimately leads to self-discovery. Gilgamesh, as well as his companion Enkidu, remain motivated to seek endure this journey by many other symbols, like the effects of temptation through greed and lust represented by seduction of a feral man that is created as Gilgamesh's equal, Enkidu, sacrificed his own habitual nature. The defeat of a great opposition is represented by fear of the forest giant authorized by a higher adversary, Enlil. Even the rejection from the goddess of love and fertility, Ishtar, which ironically led to the defeat of Gilgamesh’s companion, can be recognized as a symbol that mortality dies with lineage. Moreover, overcoming the grief of a connection is symbolic of the mourning of Enkidu being conquered. Through these astonishing accomplishments, we see the King granted his heroic title as he returns to his rightful place in the great walled kingdom.

George, A. (2003). The Epic of Gilgamesh. EBSCOhost. 

Rodney:

There are a lot of parallels and distinctions between Gilgamesh, the mythical hero of ancient Mesopotamian literature, and contemporary fictional heroes. The way Gilgamesh and contemporary heroes evolve as characters throughout their stories is one important similarity between the two. Gilgamesh, like many contemporary heroes, sets out on a life-changing adventure that alters his identity and tests his convictions. Similarly, characters like Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy experience deep personal development as they face hardship and go out on adventures that test their bravery and resiliency. 

Gilgamesh and contemporary heroes do, however, differ significantly from one another, especially in terms of their goals and the social environments in which they function. Despite his early hubris and conceit, Gilgamesh's pursuit of immortality finally forces him to face his own mortality and accept his humanity. On the other hand, motivated by a sense of responsibility or a desire to defend others, modern heroes frequently struggle with moral quandaries and existential issues. In J.K. Rowling's series, Harry Potter, for instance, must grapple with the moral dilemmas of authority and accountability while battling evil forces that pose a threat to the wizarding community. 

Furthermore, the cultural and historical backgrounds of Gilgamesh and contemporary heroes impact their traits and stories. The mythology of Gilgamesh has its origins in the ancient Mesopotamian culture, which placed a strong emphasis on themes of mortality, divinity, and kingship. On the other hand, modern heroes frequently represent the ideals and concerns of modern society, tackling topics like diversity, identity, and social justice. Comic book and movie superheroes like Wonder Woman and Superman represent ideals of bravery and justice that appeal to modern audiences and mirror the cultural narratives of the day. 

HIS 122 (APA FORMAT)

Saralyn: The westward expansion of American settlers and the actions of the American government had serious and often devastating impacts on the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. As settlers moved into these areas, they took over lands that were traditionally inhabited and controlled by various Native American tribes. This expansion was driven by a belief in Manifest Destiny, the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent, which led to policies and actions that prioritized settlers' needs over the rights of Native Americans.

The American government, through treaties often broken or unfairly negotiated, military actions, and the establishment of reservations, systematically displaced Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. The introduction of new diseases, warfare, and forced relocations significantly reduced the Native American population and disrupted their traditional ways of life (Smith, 2019). The construction of railroads and the influx of settlers also led to the near extinction of the buffalo, a crucial resource for many Plains tribes, further exacerbating their hardships (Brown, 2007).

In my opinion, the outcome does not justify the displacement of these native peoples. The suffering and loss endured by Native American tribes cannot be outweighed by the expansionist desires and economic gains of the settlers and the government. The forced displacement led to long-lasting negative effects on Native American communities, including loss of life, culture, and autonomy. Ethical considerations highlight the importance of respecting the rights and sovereignty of indigenous peoples, which were grossly violated during this period of American expansion (Hoxie, 2001).

References

Brown, D. (2007). *Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West*. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.

Hoxie, F. E. (2001). *A Final Promise: The Campaign to Assimilate the Indians, 1880-1920*. University of Nebraska Press.

Smith, P. (2019). *The Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild Frontier*. Random House.

Alyssa: Believed Euro-American superiority and territorial expansion, eventually conceptualized as Manifest Destiny by John O’Sullivan, was prompted by technological advancements, divine ordination, and economic growth (Corbett et al., 2014). Further strengthened by federal incentives during the Civil War, Americans came to justify westward expansion by any means necessary to establish themselves as the singular governing body. With the support of local militias and the federal government, as well as the sheer number of Western settlers, native populations of Indian tribes were forcibly removed from their land. As a result of The Indian Removal Act of 1830, approximately 50,000 Indians belonging to various tribes were relocated along the “Trail of Tears” to present-day Oklahoma, along which many died (Corbett et al., 2014). Hostilities only grew between settlers and Native populations as treaties were encroached upon and American settlers forced submission due to misplaced fear of Native spiritual practices (Corbett et al., 2014).

Although I take the stance that the brutality of American forces to remove the Native tribes was abhorrent, I understand that strong nationalistic views and an underexplored depiction of the West absolved individuals at that time from the guilt that was realized decades after the damage had been caused. From a purely humanitarian perspective influenced by our modern acceptance of cultural diversity, I would say that the American belief in Manifest Destiny was self-serving, and the displacement of the Native populations was not justifiable. I would like to believe that expansion could have been possible with less damage caused to the Natives and that peaceful cohabitation could have been established at least to a degree.  However, we can never be sure how an alternative approach would have impacted the United States as we know it today and I find it hard to completely reject the actions taken since modern life and perspective are a product of past events.  

 

 

Corbett, P. S., Janssen, V., Lund, J. M., Pfannestiel, T., Waskiewicz, S., & Vickery, P. (2014a, December 30).  17.4 The Assault on American Indian Life and Culture - U.S. History | OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/us-history/pages/17-4-the-assault-on-american-indian-life-and-culture