David Damrosch's The Epic Of Gilgamesh

According to Merriam-Webster, literature can be defined as written works (such as poems, plays, and novels) that are considered to be very good and to have lasting importance. The word can also be refers to anything “written with letters,” like David Damrosch points out in his book “refers first and foremost to poems, plays, and prose fiction—works of creative imagination written in heightened and pleasurable language” (Damrosch 6). Still in this explanation Damrosch acknowledges that “literature’s boundaries are blurry” (6). Yet, as the impact of globalization accelerated the need for universal literature, its meaning has changed to reflect on the modern days’ views and lifestyle. Literary scholars have defined literature as a higher
Although it is one the oldest piece of the poem found on earth, its readers were able to grasp the full meaning of this masterpiece since it preserved its entire accuracy in the face of production of free translations and freer adaptations. This poem recounts the adventures of the semi-mythical Sumerian king of Uruk and his ultimately hopeless pursuit for immortality after the death of his friend and companion, Enkidu, a wildman sent and created by the gods. The “Epic of Gilgamesh” is a reflection of eternal spiritual, social and cultural values such as courage, alliance, love, and the fear and acceptance of death. It had a tremendous impact and influence to such an extent that it still inspires people today with a concept of power, leadership, and friendship. “Gilgamesh” represents a unifying story that blends ancient Eastern and Western history together. Writers and other scholars from all over the world have adapted this tale in ways that meet the academic, artistic and cultural tendencies of our time. The spirit of this literature can be held and perceived into various social movements and awareness campaigns like roles of women, the use and abuse of power, and the importance of the epic in a particular society or culture as we see nowadays. The Epic is definitely an important piece of Western culture, and a fascinating window into ancient Mesopotamian civilization. It has influenced both ancient and modern literature and culture, and themes from the Epic can be found in later classical