The connections run from similarities in methods of transmission, namely the oral traditions, to themes, characters and formal structural components. ... The stories concerning Gilgamesh in Sumerian are short and episodic and present no unifying theme, but in the Akkadian versions it appears that the poet has unified these traditional stories into one larger eleven or twelve tablet epic with more unified themes (West 65, Noegel 240). ... Achilles as the son of Thetis has a special relationship which allows him to communicate with the gods by way of Thetis's favor in the eyes of Zeus (Il. ...

• Word Count: 4256
• Approx Pages: 17
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Major conflict of the poem is Agamemnon's demand for Achilles' war prize, the maiden Briseis, which wounds Achilles' pride; Achilles' consequent refusal to fight causes the Achaeans to suffer greatly in their battle against the Trojans. ... Major themes of the poem are the glory of war; military values over family life; the impermanence of human life and its creations. ... Major conflict of the poem is that Aeneas is fated to travel from the ruins of Troy to Italy, where he will establish a race that will lead to the founding of Rome. ... Themes of the poem are the pr...

• Word Count: 8864
• Approx Pages: 35
• Grade Level: High School