Connecting to Readers through the Human Condition

The greatest stories are those that captivate the reader so thoroughly, he or she thinks of the characters or themes long after the book has been placed back on the shelf. There are many elements that make a work of literature great, such as literary devices, narration, plot, character development, themes, and diction; however, from the beginning of written literature, authors have attempted to impact readers by appealing to theme regarding the human condition. While both The Epic of Gilgamesh and Hamlet deal with two very different characters, the authors have appealed to the common emotions felt by all human beings.

The Epic of Gilgamesh seems like an unlikely candidate as a relevant novel for the twenty-first century, seeing that it outdates every other novel in the world, yet it is still cherished by many. It is curious that readers should ever identify with Gilgamesh- for what do most people have in common with a corrupt part god-king who battles the minions of the gods with his half-man half-beast friend? Most likely, it is the moment that the all-powerful Gilgamesh has to face the fact that he, too, will die, like all living things. Like the reader might want to, Gilgamesh tries to fight the possibility of death and searches for a way to extend his life, only to fail and return to his kingdom with the knowledge that the most precious part of life is that it does not last forever. The reader leaves the story with the feeling that he or she must also “Make merry day and night” (Tablet X) like the advice Gilgamesh is given. Since it is true that all living things must face mortality, the reader gains Gilgamesh’s wisdom when they are faced with the same struggle, thus making it a great work of literature.

For the Epic of Gilgamesh, however, it is likely to be valued literature for all time, since it is noted as being the archetype of a hero and exemplifies the Hero Cycle which is used in films and novels to this day (Grandfield). Comparing Gilgamesh’s journey to any hero story, whether it is Beowulf or Star Wars, shows the deep and lasting impression that The Epic of Gilgamesh has on story-telling in a variety of cultures and time periods. 

Prince Hamlet’s story is very different from Gilgamesh’s; however, it is, again, the connection the reader makes with the character that makes it a great work of literature. Hamlet is torn between his choices and spends a bit of time telling the audience about it; is it better to get revenge like his ghost-father wants him to do? Should he blame his mother? Is it better just to kill himself so he doesn’t have to make a decision at all? Many readers may wonder why Hamlet doesn’t just make a decision, but at the same time, they understand the feeling of not being able to make a decision. Most people have had to make a decision that would bring about feelings of anxiety; whether it is pressure from others, the pressure to do what is right, and the pressure “to thine own self be true” (I, iii). The plot, like Hamlet’s decision, is complex and the reader may simultaneously feel frustrated and understanding of Hamlet’s quandary (Barnett). To be an individual of free will is to make difficult decisions and his struggle is one that the reader can relate to.

The reason that some literature has lasted hundreds, and even thousands, of years, is that it doesn’t just deal with what is happening to the world at that very moment, it is reflective of the human condition. As long as people feel the physiology of love, pain, fear, jealousy, frustration, and a host of other emotions they will always relate to characters who are struggling with the same. 

Works Cited

Barnett, Sylvia. "Thoughts on Hamlet."University of Hawaii Theater. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://www2.hawaii.edu/~lady/lit/shakesp

Grandfield, Kristen. "07.02.01: Teaching the Epic of Gilgamesh." Yale University. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2013. <http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/200

Sandars, N. K. The epic of Gilgamesh: an English version with an introd. Rev. ed. Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin Books, 19721977. Print.

Shakespeare, William, and Harold Jenkins. Hamlet. London: Methuen, 1982. Print.