Similarities Between Gilgamesh And The Tempest

The lasting impressions of The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest can in part be illustrated by post-colonial theories of identity. It is apparent in both texts that several characters struggle with their sense of identity; how what they face determines who they are and how they fit into their world. I will explain post-colonial identity in more detail, demonstrating how the identity lens is supported in The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest. I will also provide insight into the lasting popularity of these texts well into the 21st century.

The post-colonial theory of identity is explained by Cherki Karkaba as a collection of experiences throughout the story that molds the character and shapes the identity. Karkaba explains post-colonial identity:

…in a globalized world characterized by what Edward Said calls in Culture and Imperialism “the mixture of cultures and identities” (Said 1994, 407). For Edward Said, instability is a major characteristic of identity. Identity is always in progress, fluctuating between differences, shifting beyond Manichean thought, undergoing an endless process of change (Karkaba).

The post-colonial theory of identity has several contributing components that change as the characters are subjected to various experiences.

According to this theory, what the character faces and feels shapes whom they become, and the process of identity is continuous throughout the character’s life. This is demonstrated in The Epic of Gilgamesh as Gilgamesh struggles with his own identity in considering Enkidu, a man of the wild, as an equal. It is also apparent when Gilgamesh confronts his own mortality when witnessing Enkidu’s demise. In The Tempest, Caliban is defiant and wishes to hold fast to his identity although Prospero attempts to colonize him. This idea of evolving throughout experiences to discover one is particularly fascinating to me, and that is precisely why I chose to explore the identity lens

further.
Post-colonial identity theory is supported in The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest through several characters; however I will explore the characters of Gilgamesh and Caliban through the identity lens for this paper. We see the evolution of Gilgamesh: he is introduced as a tyrant, ruling with an iron fist. In meeting and befriending Enkidu he is no longer as self-involved. He becomes more “human” in his love for another person. Gilgamesh evolves further through Enkidu’s death; the sense of loss he feels humanizes him further and inspires his quest for immortality. “Bitterly Gilgamesh wept for his friend Enkidu; he wandered over the wilderness as a hunter, he roamed over the plains; in his bitterness he cried, ‘How can I rest, how can I be at peace? Despair is in my heart. What my brother is now, that shall I be when I am dead” (The Epic of Gilgamesh). The quest for immortality eventually leads to a moment of enlightenment Gilgamesh realizes his death is eminent.
The Tempest has several characters who struggle with the identity theme, and I chose to explore the character of Caliban further as he was the object of Prospero’s colonization.

Caliban is an indigenous inhabitant of the island Prospero has been shipwrecked upon, and it is apparent from Caliban’s introduction that he is viewed as a lesser being. Caliban is often referred to as a monster and treated poorly by the other characters in the play. Caliban struggles to maintain his identity despite Prospero’s efforts to teach him, and we see his savage instincts when he speaks to Prospero regarding the attempted rape of Miranda, Prospero’s daughter, in Act I, scene ii: “O ho, O ho! Would’t had been done! Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else this isle with Calibans” (Shakespeare). This line shows us how Caliban desires to remain uncolonized and wishes to populate the island with his own people. His fight to maintain his identity is tested throughout the play through his interactions with other characters, for example trusting that Stephano will help him, and repeatedly drinking and acting foolish. However, Caliban never completely submits to Prospero, and that shows a great deal of commitment to whom he sees himself to be despite the people and experiences he faces throughout the

play.
The post-colonial identity lens provides insight into the lasting popularity of The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Tempest because most people feel the need to identify their place in the world. It is through these stories that we can compare our experiences and consider our personal feelings and opinions while reading. Part of the beauty of partaking in literature from various time periods and regions is the opportunity to see the world through a different lens. This reaches back to the ideas of post-colonial identity theory. The experiences the characters are subjected to, triumphs and tribulations, set in motion the evolution of whom they will become.