Functionality In The Epic Of Gilgamesh By N. K.

Functionality can be defined as the behavioral characteristics one has that allows him/her to operate in the world with a purpose, selfish or altruistic. This said purpose is based on the circumstances of the world in a given time period. Essentially, how someone functions throughout life is loosely based on the time period, but this is not synonymous to saying that it is the cornerstone in which one’s function is grounded upon. The reading The Epic of Gilgamesh by N. K. Sanders displays this concept that time period does little to impact one’s character, specifically Gilgamesh in this case. Instead, it is an individual’s life experience that shapes their functionality. For instance, the story takes place in ancient times which helps gives
definition to the authorship (the viewpoints or ideas of the text’s social world) and the general idea that physical conflict is seen as common practice to resolve issues among those capable of fighting. Consequently, the background of the time setting heightens the reader’s interpretation of Gilgamesh’s strong-willed and competitive character and individual functionality in his world initially as someone who enjoys fighting casually with his given capability of strength and being half-god. Later on in the story, he is seen to realize his functionality in the world as someone who could use their strength for the benefit of others after going through individualized life lessons. Under the story’s given circumstancies, an audience best suited for this story that can relate to this the most would be young adults due to their general demographic’s similar mindset of not changing their purpose in life with given a good-enough, experienced reason.