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Definition of Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as," but can also... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often... read full definition
Prologue: Gilgamesh King in Uruk
Explanation and Analysis—Terrifying Like a Bull:
In the Prologue, simile is used to describe Gilgamesh's perfect body:
When the gods created Gilgamesh they gave him a perfect body. Shamash the glorious sun endowed him with beauty, Adad the god of the storm endowed him with courage, the great gods made his beauty perfect, surpassing all others, terrifying like a great wild bull.
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Part 1: The Coming of Enkidu
Explanation and Analysis—Womanly Hair:
In Part 1, Enkidu's physical appearance is described through simile after he is created from clay by Aruru:
Unlock with LitCharts A+His body was rough, he had long hair like a woman’s; it waved like the hair of Nisaba, the goddess of corn. His body was covered with matted hair like Samuqan’s, the god of cattle.
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Explanation and Analysis—Led Like a Child:
In Part 1, a simile is used to describe how Shamhat leads Enkidu into the shepherd's tents after he loses his innocence and can no longer run wild with the animals:
Unlock with LitCharts A+She divided her clothing in two and with the one half she clothed him and with the other herself; and holding his hand she led him like a child to the sheepfolds, into the shepherds’ tents.
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Part 2: The Forest Journey
Explanation and Analysis—Jaws are Death Itself:
In Part 2, simile and metaphor are used to highlight Humbaba's ferocity:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Humbaba, when he roars it is like the torrent of the storm, his breath is like fire and his jaws are death itself. Why do you crave to do this thing, Gilgamesh? It is no equal struggle when one fights with Humbaba, that battering-ram.
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Part 3: Ishtar and Gilgamesh, and the Death of Enkidu
Explanation and Analysis—Lovers Found You Like...:
In Part 3, Gilgamesh makes use of an incredible string of similes to describe why he is rejecting Ishtar's advances:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Your lovers have found you like a brazier which smoulders in the cold, a backdoor which keeps out neither squall of wind nor storm, a castle which crushes the garrison, pitch that blackens the bearer, a water-skin that chafes the carrier, a stone which falls from the parapet, a battering-ram turned back from the enemy, a sandal that trips the wearer.
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