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The following is an attempt to see the parallels and resemblances between the Sumerian classic epic, Gilgamesh, and the Renaissance Shakespearian Hamlet. It begins with an explanation of the reasons behind such an unusual topic and the methodology followed through out. It traces the common points between them in terms of underlying patterns, characterization, male friendships, and the destructive roles of women. In themes and concepts about the human predicament and how man is virtually helpless as regards what lies in store for him, the two texts have much in common as the following pages will show. It may sound, at face value, uncommon if not peculiar altogether to have those two different characters yoked in a research paper, given their striking differences in culture, religion, time, or artistic mode and views of man and the universe. Gilgamesh is deeply rooted in the thought and conventions of Mesopotamian life 2000 B.C. while Hamlet celebrates the Christian Renaissance and perhaps medieval mode of thinking. But a close reading of the two texts and their details soon disperses such misgivings and apprehensions as there are many common points of interest that can not escape the discerning eye.

Abyss , Gilgamesh , Hamlet

2006

مجله اتحاد الجامعات العربيه للآداب

مجله اتحاد الجامعات العربيه للآداب