Deck 17: Applying Theory: a Lévi-Straussian Analysis of the Epic of Gilgamesh, G S Kirk

Question 1

In the theory of Claude Levi-Strauss, the relationship of words in a sentence to each other is called a _________________ relationship.

A) necessary
B) syntagmatic
C) logical
D) paradigmatic

Answer 1

B

Question 2

J. S. Kirk notes that, for Levi-Strauss, myth is primarily a form of _____________.

A) philosophy
B) communication
C) literature
D) history

Answer 2

B

Question 3

_______________________ is an example of the fundamental pairs of relationships that Levi-Strauss finds underlying mythological stories.

A) The history of great and lasting dynasties
B) The psychology of love and death
C) The development of humans and deities
D) The opposition of nature and culture

Answer 3

D

Question 4

______________________ was the philosopher who argued that humans in the state of nature are superior to those in so-called civilized societies.

A) Jean Paul Sartre
B) Aristotle
C) Jean-Jacques Rousseau
D) Plato

Question 5

Gilgamesh's greatest fear is _________________.

A) death
B) the Bull of Heaven
C) failing to achieve immortality
D) losing Enkidu

Question 6

The two major versions of the epic of Gilgamesh are the _________________ and the Akkadian.

A) Sumerian
B) Greek
C) Thracian
D) Babylonian

Question 7

After finding and losing the _____________, a dejected Gilgamesh returns to Uruk.

A) Bull of Heaven
B) plant of rejuvenation
C) survivor of the flood
D) key to the forest

Question 8

For the Mesopotamian peoples, the nature  culture opposition is apparent in their emphasis on ___________________ and the gods in charge.

A) irrigated and barren land
B) animal and vegetable food
C) day and night
D) winning and losing

Question 9

As Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh most regrets that _________________.

A) he is not immortal
B) he can do nothing about it
C) he had not been wounded in battle
D) he had taken him away from his life in the wild

Question 10

Enkidu believes that ____________ is responsible for his lingering death.

A) his leaving a life close to nature
B) the Bull of Heaven
C) Ishtar's wrath against Gilgamesh
D) helping Gilgamesh to overcome Huwawa

Question 11

The underlying _______________ of the elements of a myth is the key to determining its meaning.

Question 12

A ____________________ is a set of symbols, each of which has a meaning. Examples of this for Levi-Strauss include sociological, culinary, cosmological, astronomical, and acoustic.

Question 13

Kirk agrees with Levi-Strauss' statement: the purpose of myth is to provide a logical model capable of overcoming a cultural ____________________.

Question 14

_______________ is the guardian of the cedar forest slain by Enkidu and Gilgamesh.

Question 15

Gilgamesh's violent rejection of ______________ causes him great problems.

Question 16

Gilgamesh visits ___________________ in order to learn how to avoid death.

Question 17

While Gilgamesh rages against the death of Enkidu, _______________ points out to him the advantages of culture.

Question 18

Enkidu blames his sickening and death on the hunter and the ________________.

Question 19

Gilgamesh rebels against civilization because it brought about the death of _______________.

Question 20

J. S. Kirk downplays Levi-Strauss' emphasis on the nature-culture opposition when he considers that the basis of the Gilgamesh myth may be an obsession with _________________.