ASSIGNMENT 7: ESSAY
After analysing the character of Yossarian from Joseph Heller’s Catch 22 in comparison to Gilgamesh from The Epic of Gilgamesh, we can conclude by saying that post-modern writers often went back to classical literature for inspiration. This statement can be proven by referring to the similarities and differences between the protagonist as well as the archetypal plots and themes.
In literature we find two types of heroes: heroes and antiheroes. The difference between the two is that heroes are brave, loyal to the state and they value fame and glory above their own lives. In contrast, antiheroes are cowardly and their actions are immoral. Antiheroes are flawed in more than one way which eventually leads to their downfall. …show more content…
Yossarian’s goal is survival. He needs to develop and grow as an individual before considering those around him. Women play an integral role during his time on the war front. He claims to have feelings for those that accompany him to bed however, we learn that this is not true. A character that has an influence on Yossarian is Snowden. During the Avignon mission Snowden is wounded and Yossarian treats him with compassion and empathy. Snowden’s death changes Yossarian’s attitude towards life. It is for this reason that Yossarian tries to evade death. After the loss of a friend Yossarian is left traumatised and depressed, resulting in him refusing to wear his uniform as it reminds him of the condition of Snowden on his death bed. His uniform, covered in blood. A similar incident takes place in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Despite being a leader Gilgamesh mistreated his people, forced them to build architecture and slept with any woman he pleased, be it the wife of a warrior or daughter of a noble. The persecuted people cried out to the Gods for help to calm their brutal king. Enkidu, a primitive man is sent down by the Gods. After Gilgamesh is triumphant in battle Enkidu changes him upon seeing his strength. He now considers him an equal and together the rule the city in a fair manner. Following Enkidu’s demise, Gilgamesh loses his faith and hope. Fearing his own death he began searching for immortality. However, before he died he was a fair king to his people. Gilgamesh comes to understand that the most important thing in life is to have lived and loved well. We learn that both protagonists treat women and their friends in a similar manner. A certain individual helps our protagonists question their ways, morals and
After analysing the character of Yossarian from Joseph Heller’s Catch 22 in comparison to Gilgamesh from The Epic of Gilgamesh, we can conclude by saying that post-modern writers often went back to classical literature for inspiration. This statement can be proven by referring to the similarities and differences between the protagonist as well as the archetypal plots and themes.
In literature we find two types of heroes: heroes and antiheroes. The difference between the two is that heroes are brave, loyal to the state and they value fame and glory above their own lives. In contrast, antiheroes are cowardly and their actions are immoral. Antiheroes are flawed in more than one way which eventually leads to their downfall. …show more content…
Yossarian’s goal is survival. He needs to develop and grow as an individual before considering those around him. Women play an integral role during his time on the war front. He claims to have feelings for those that accompany him to bed however, we learn that this is not true. A character that has an influence on Yossarian is Snowden. During the Avignon mission Snowden is wounded and Yossarian treats him with compassion and empathy. Snowden’s death changes Yossarian’s attitude towards life. It is for this reason that Yossarian tries to evade death. After the loss of a friend Yossarian is left traumatised and depressed, resulting in him refusing to wear his uniform as it reminds him of the condition of Snowden on his death bed. His uniform, covered in blood. A similar incident takes place in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Despite being a leader Gilgamesh mistreated his people, forced them to build architecture and slept with any woman he pleased, be it the wife of a warrior or daughter of a noble. The persecuted people cried out to the Gods for help to calm their brutal king. Enkidu, a primitive man is sent down by the Gods. After Gilgamesh is triumphant in battle Enkidu changes him upon seeing his strength. He now considers him an equal and together the rule the city in a fair manner. Following Enkidu’s demise, Gilgamesh loses his faith and hope. Fearing his own death he began searching for immortality. However, before he died he was a fair king to his people. Gilgamesh comes to understand that the most important thing in life is to have lived and loved well. We learn that both protagonists treat women and their friends in a similar manner. A certain individual helps our protagonists question their ways, morals and