B. Thesis Statement: In his research paper, I’m going to describe those archetypes and to prove that they very precisely portray the religious beliefs, traditions, and daily lives of the ancient Mesopotamians. I’m convinced that when one studies the history of the Middle East, one has to consider the archetypes of “The Epic” for a serious historical reference.
II. Historical Context
A. First Body Paragraph Topic The historical importance of the Epic
1. Topic sentence (including transition word) Despite that, “The Epic of Gilgamesh” is considered a very reliable resource when it comes to studying the lives of the ancient Mesopotamians.
2. Insert all facts used here (fact number only)
Describes the lives of the ancients
Portrays their traditions
Illustrates their values
III. Theoretical Framework
A. First Body Paragraph Topic Gilgamesh’s portrait was probably based on a real person
1. Topic sentence (including transition word) Gilgamesh might have also existed in real.
2. Insert all facts used here (fact number only)
Respected by the citizens
Described as a ruthless conquerer
IV. Point 1 from your three part thesis statement. Include direct quotes from the text and an outside source from the reference articles on Gilgamesh.
A. First Body Paragraph Topic First archetype – Gilgamesh and Enkidu (the heroes)
1. Topic sentence (including transition word) First archetype is, of course, Gilgamesh himself. He is the hero and the main character of the story.
2. Insert all facts used here (fact number only)
semi-human and semi-divine
Is not afraid of anything
example of how to properly live
Enkidu – grows into a strong man after having a sexual relationship
V. Point 2 from your three part thesis statement. Include direct quotes from the text and an outside source from the reference articles on Gilgamesh.
A. First Body Paragraph Topic Second archetype – the evil (the prostitute and Humbaba)
1. Topic sentence (including transition word) Another evil archetype is Humbaba.
2. Insert all facts used here (fact number only)
Portrayed the spirit of the forest
An image of something the ancients were afraid of
The woman is depicted in the same way as other cultures depicted her
VI. Point 3 from your three part thesis statement. Include direct quotes from the text and an outside source from the reference articles on Gilgamesh.
A. First Body Paragraph Topic Third archetype – the wise one (Utnapishtim)
1. Topic sentence (including transition word) The last archetype that I wanted to discuss is the wise one.
2. Insert all facts used here (fact number only)
Answered the philosophical questions
Proved that death was impossible to avoid
Seemed a lot like the Biblical Noah
VII. Acknowledge and refute opposing views from your overall point you are making here. Include direct quotes from the text and an outside source from the reference articles on Gilgamesh.
A. First Body Paragraph Topic The story might have been fictional
1. Topic sentence (including transition word) However, as I already said, scholars never proved the existence of Gilgamesh.
2. Insert all facts used here (fact number only)
No archaeological evidence
Might have been the result of the mixing of cultures
VIII. Conclusion
Despite all the contradictions, many historians still believe that “The Epic of Gilgamesh” is a reliable source for piecing up the historical events.
Summarize topic sentences
There is Enkidu who illustrates nature and its power, there is a female prostitute who illustrates temptation and adulthood, and there is an evil spirit Humbaba and a wise man Utnapishtim. And, of course, there is Gilgamesh, who is the hero despite his arrogant and ruthless nature.
