... this paean to Gilgamesh at the very opening of the epic which would seem to summarize all that comes after and set his seemingly uninteresting and un-heroic end in a perspective, which many commentators seem to overlook. Gilgamesh's overbearing strength and power terrorize the people and the gods feel the need to give Uruk a break from the king, so they design a foil for him, Enkidu ... death because of his comrade's death, the only person that made living the mortal life worth living. Patroclus on the other hand thinks of his glory that he might achieve if he kills the Trojans and Hect...

• Word Count: 4256
• Approx Pages: 17
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... clear, then, that Virgil wishes to demonise war without even condoning conflict between opposing nations. Yet his own culture and the city of his Caesar were founded upon success in battle and Virgil therefore depicts war as a way for men to win glory for themselves and their families. Even the protagonist, Aeneas, advocates war, "What a punishment Turnus will endure at my hands." ... , Evander, of which you need to be ashamed Italy has lost a great bulwark" For in the ancient culture of Italy, war undoubtedly brings men the glory they seek. Nisus wants to create havoc in the Rutulia...

• Word Count: 2231
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate