Throughout the course of literary history, authors have been utilizing contrasting characters to enhance the plot, as well as to drive character development. Such tactics were used in both The Odyssey and Gilgamesh, where the authors have contrasting characters based on the binaries of civility and animalism. In The Odyssey, the two opposite characters are Odysseus and Polyphemus. Based on the narration, it seems like Odysseus is meant to be the civilized of the two, while Polyphemus is considered the savage, animal-like character. This binary is apparent in Gilgamesh, where Gilgamesh and Enkidu contrast each other. In this story, Gilgamesh is portrayed as the more civilized of the two, while Enkidu is a wild man, who represents savagery. What is interesting, however, is the fact that the contrast in characters plays a different role in each of the respective stories.
Gilgamesh vs Enkidu
As noted above, Gilgamesh is a noble and civilized character who strives for order whereas Enkidu is the embodiment of savagery and barbarism. This contrast can be seen in the nature of the two characters. On the one hand, Gilgamesh is a complex being who is mostly god-like but possesses some human traits. He possesses immense power that he uses to perpetrate oppression. On the other hand, Enkidu is a primitive being who has no contact with civilization (“The Epic”, 2015). In fact, he is described as being covered in hair and living among animals. The nature of the two characters is a representation of the enriching role that contrast plays in character and plot development. In developing the two characters, it must be that inspiration was obtained from the need to underscore the complexity and multiplicity of human spirits. Another difference between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is evident in their response to bodily pleasures. Since he is a savage who does not recognize the importance of honor and pride, Enkidu is rather responsive to pleasures. In tablet one, she yields to the seductive pressure of Shamhat, a prostitute who is charged with the duty of eroding Enkidu savage-like tendencies (“The Epic”, 2015). On the other hand, Gilgamesh demonstrates maturity and restraint when he refuses to succumb to Ishtar’s advances. In rejecting the advances, Gilgamesh was being guided by reason. He understood that she had treated other lovers poorly and he did not wish to suffer similar experiences (“The Epic”, 2015). It is evident that Gilgamesh is a civilized being who contemplates critically before making decisions. The same cannot be said about Enkidu whose capacity for critical thought is almost lacking.
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The ability to respond to aggression with calmness and restraint is one of the traits that define civilized people. Gilgamesh possesses these traits. Throughout the Epic of Gilgamesh, he encounters various aggressors. While there are numerous situations where he responds with force and brutality, there are some incidences where he manifests his civilized spirit. For example, in tablet five, Humbaba issues threats against Gilgamesh and Enkidu while hurling insults at them (“The Epic”, 2015). After Humbaba is captured, he offers desperate pleas for mercy. Gilgamesh is deeply moved and takes pity on him. The humanity that Gilgamesh demonstrates here points to the fact that he is civilized. On the other hand, Enkidu is a savage who is convinced that one should crush their enemies mercilessly. He urges Gilgamesh to kill Humbaba (“The Epic”, 2015). Whereas it is true that Humbaba’s provocation warranted decisive and cruel action, Enkidu’s inability to display mercy is evidence that he is an uncivilized savage.
When used in such pieces as the Epic of Gilgamesh, contrast serves a critical function. The depiction of Gilgamesh as a civilized being while Enkidu is a savage is deliberate and intended to convey a vital message. For the better part of the epic, the two characters join forces to defeat common enemies. For example, as they get closer to the cedar mountain, they offer each other encouragement and remind one another to be bold (“The Epic”, 2015). They also work together to kill Humbaba and destroy the cedars over which Humbaba exercised control. Through their shared experiences, Enkidu and Gilgamesh develop an intimate and close friendship. The intensity of this friendship becomes evident when Gilgamesh mourns deeply following Enkidu’s death (“The Epic”, 2015). He goes as far as tearing his clothes and hair. It can be argued that the contrasting spirits of Gilgamesh and Enkidu is intended to highlight the fact that different spirits complement one another. The civilized Gilgamesh needed the savage Enkidu to accomplish his mission.
Odysseus vs Polyphemus
Odysseus and Polyphemus are another pair of characters whose actions and spirits underscore the role that contrast plays. It has already been stated that Odysseus demonstrates civility while Polyphemus is a savage. The difference in these two characters can be seen in how they relate with other characters. On the one hand, Odysseus demonstrates empathy and deep concern for the welfare of others. For example, he laments about the men that he lost in the Trojan War (Homer, n.d). He also takes action to relieve his men from harm. For instance, goddess Circe turns the men into pigs. Working with Hermes, Odysseus manages to lift the spell that Circe had cast on the men. On the other hand, Polyphemus wages war against Odysseus and his men (Homer, n.d). Most of his endeavors involve causing harm. This is in contrast to the character of Odysseus who delivers healing and redemption. Another issue that sets Odysseus and Polyphemus apart is the inspiration for their actions. In nearly all his endeavors, Odysseus pursues noble causes. For example, he seeks an alliance with Hermes to free his men from the spell cast by Circe (Homer, n.d). When he is forced to kill, he does so in the quest of reaching his wife Penelope. On the other hand, there does not appear to be any solid rationale for Polyphemus’ savagery. He seems to be driven by anger and bitterness.
In the discussion on Gilgamesh and Enkidu, it was noted that their contrasting spirits show how different spirits can unite and pursue a common cause. The use of contrast in the Odyssey serves as different purpose. In this piece, the characters of Odysseus and Polyphemus represent the irreconcilability of civility and savagery. These characters as so at odds that it is impossible for them to collaborate. In fact, they sabotage each other’s missions. One can argue that the author of the Odyssey used contrast to highlight how civility and savagery are involved in an unending battle for supremacy. It is encouraging that Odysseus who represents civility emerges victorious ultimately.
In conclusion, civility and savagery are some of the main traits that define mankind today. These traits have been explored extensively in literature. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh and Enkidu are used to represent the traits. Whereas Gilgamesh serves as the face of civility, Enkidu is the embodiment of savagery. Despite the stark difference in their spirits, these characters manage to form a strong partnership that allows them to conquer their enemies. Civility and savagery are also developed in the Odyssey with Odysseus and Polyphemus representing the two traits, respectively. As opposed to Gilgamesh and Enkidu who work together, Odysseus and Polyphemus are adversaries who reflect the deep divide between civility and savagery. The Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh show that the same issue can be viewed from different perspectives.
References
The epic of Gilgamesh. (2015). Irvine: Xist Publishing.
Homer. (n.d). The Odyssey.
