appearances can be decieving

A detailed Summary of appearances can be decieving

"The Monument" from Elizabeth is a reflection of the character Gilgamesh in The Epic of Gilgamesh. At first glance they both appear to be perfect and immortal. It is not until we take a closer look do we see their flaws and imperfections. The appearances are important in these two works. The way the viewer describes the monument is similar to the way a viewer would describe Gilgamesh. Both subjects are beautiful and unique but they are not perfect. They both have flaws that must be examined. The flaws do not make the monument or Gilgamesh any less unique than they really are. In fact, we will see that these flaws are essential to their existence. In the first section of the poem, the monument is described as unusual and unique."It is of wood built somewhat like a box. No. Built like several boxes in descending sizes one above the other" (Bishop). Have you ever seen a monument made of wood? I do not think so. However, this element is what makes it so unusual. A monument is only unique if it has elements never seen before. Gilgamesh, like the monument, has very distinct features. Gilgamesh is the greatest person you can ever see. He is the most perfect and handsomest of all.

He is the mightiest of all, "supreme over king, lordly in appearance" (tablet I, line 28). Gilgamesh is as mighty as a wild bull. Nothing can stand in his way. When he wants something he goes after it. His strength is unstoppable. Gilgamesh is "two-third of him god, one-third of him is human" (tablet I, line 46), which explains his enormous strengthen.In the second section of the poem, gloominess shadows the monument. Its appearance is deteriorating."All the conditions of its existence may have flaked off the paint." Or so it seems.The monument is no longer flawless. Its age and cracks are visible to the naked eye. The imperfections on the monument are a consolation to us. The shedding of its skin allows us to see what the monument really looks like. It is only appropriate that we see these imperfections on the monument because nothing created by man can be so perfect, not even a monument.After the unexpected death of Enkidu, the first friend and companion he ever known, Gilgamesh became aware of his own vulnerability and mortality. He never knew a lost like this before. Gilgamesh starts questioning his own existence. "I am going to die!- am I not like Enkidu?! Deep sadness penetrates my core, I fear death, ......" (tablet IX, lines 2-4). How could the mightiest of all have a breakdown? In the final sect

Some common words found in the essay are:
Epic Gilgamesh, Bishop People, Enkidu Deep, Monument Elizabeth, section poem, seen gilgamesh, imperfections monument, tablet line,

Approximate Word count = 894
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History

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appearances can be decieving

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