The Epic of Gilgamesh Poem Analysis

The Epic of Gilgamesh is an intriguingly relevant work of fiction whose message has persisted throughout 4,000 years of history. David Robson the author of “Our Fiction Addiction” writes about this and many other works of fiction that he believes promote the very purpose of fiction: human connection. Robson wants to persuade the reader of the timeless message of fiction by using statistics, repetition, and expert opinion.

In order to persuade readers, the author uses quotations and expert opinions to back up his opinion. Opinions in literature are almost always biased given the emotional and personal base of storytelling, so using experts like university professors and researchers gives credibility for an otherwise unsupported and biased opinion. For instance, Robson believes that fiction helps people connect with others through the lessons taught to us by fictional characters. So to back this up he uses a quote from Joseph Carroll, a respected professor to basically paraphrase his beliefs by saying “It teaches us about other people and it’s a practice in empathy and theory of mind (paragraph 9).” So even though Caroll provides no contrast and other evidence, Robson’s argument seems more appealing given an expert's opinion.

Building upon expert credibility, Robson also uses facts and statistics to improve the effectiveness of his argument. As it is harder for readers to try and disagree or argue with anything factual, and therefore helps prove and provide factual weight to the author’s argument. For example, in paragraph 12, he talks about how “nearly 80% of their tales concerned moral decision making and social dilemmas” when discussing core themes and purpose of narratives. The author goes on to explain that this had real life effects of the group's cooperation with one another. This overwhelming majority proves to the reader that Robson’s argument of fiction and human connection has tangible proof, elevating it from just a weaker and unsupported opinion. The purpose of the author’s article is to persuade readers, and the myriad of facts and statistics Robson gives does just that.

Robson uses several strategies to persuade readers, but his use of repetition is clearly one of the most effective. Throughout the article, he brings up the Epic of Gilgamesh six times, including the beginning and ending paragraph. Repetition is a way to emphasize the main point, and the constant use of this epic successfully does this. The author argues that the Epic of Gilgamesh is a perfect example of how fiction and its many lessons have impacted humans and their social connection throughout history. And by bringing it up so frequently, the reader is more likely to remember and agree with his statement. The use of an external piece of media strengthens his argument, as would any novel or story with a timeless message, showing how fiction universally teaches us no matter the story. Another novel that would have accomplished the same idea could have been Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Despite the two stories being published nearly 4,000 years apart, both stories highlight the importance of loyalty and friendship over material gain. As the author explains that “a story like the Epic of Gilgamesh is still as fresh if it had been written yesterday, and its timeless messages of loyal friendship remain a lesson to us all,” (paragraph 25). Similarly, Great Expectations explores the themes of the detriment of wealth and class to moral conscience and relationship to others. Themes that the author constantly brings up throughout the article by the repetitive use of the Epic of Gilgamesh. As a result, readers will realize the main points of Robsons argument.

Overall, Robson persuades readers of the purpose of fiction by using a myriad of successful strategies. His use of expert opinions and quotations help provide credibility without refuting his original argument. The constant statistics and facts provide physical proof of his argument that will appeal to readers. And the use of repetition, helps to clearly emphasize the main points of his argument in order to convince readers. I would personally say that he was extremely successful in terms of persuasiveness. I do believe that fiction helps us connect with others through experience and empathy, as well as teaching us valuable lessons about ourselves and our surroundings. I wholeheartedly agree with Robson’s argument about how fiction’s purpose in our lives and how it has positively impacted history. In conclusion, Robson’s opinion is effectively argued and supported using persuasive strategies.