Research Paper on:
Classical Literature and Common Theme of Perseverance in Overcoming Obstacles

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
be found that, collectively, indicate that the worldview of the various cultures that produced the great literature of the past remained very consistent throughout the centuries. For example, an examination  of the Anglo-Saxon epic Gilgamesh; the Book of Job from the Old Testament; Homers Odyssey and Virgils Aeneid demonstrates that all of these great works present protagonists who are eventually  rewarded for their perseverance. In each case, the hero perseveres against adversity by overcoming obstacles that stand between him and his goal. He goes on despite those who advice that  his quest is foolhardy and eventually is rewarded for his pain by reaching and achieving his goal. For example, in the epic Gilgamesh, the Anglo-Saxon hero decides to travel to  the Forest of Cedar and kill Humbaba, the forests superhuman guardian. Gilgameshs friend and comrade Enkidu express reservations about the whole enterprise. The poem reads: "Enkidu spoke these words to  Gilgamesh:/Huwawas mouth is fire; his roar the floodwater;/his breath is death; Enlil made him guardian; /of the Cedar Forest, to frighten off the moral/who would venture there" (lines 86-91).  But the hero could not be dissuaded from his mission. Then, Gilgamesh asks the blessing of the elders in his city, but they warn him that "Huwawas mouth is  fire, his roar is the roar/of the floodwater; he breathes and there is death (lines 128-129). Gilgamesh perseveres despite the advice of others, despite obstacles. He reaches the Forest  and successfully kills Humbaba, which guarantees his fame as a warrior. In a totally different manner, Job in the Old Testament story displays as much courage and perseverance as  Gilgamesh, but within a totally different cultural context. The Bible pictures Job as a blameless man who is tempted by Satan to curse God. In one awful day for Job,