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Visual rhetoric contains a variety of aspects in which we analyse to enhance our understanding of what our brain perceives of the object. I have decided to do a rhetorical analysis on the Gilgamesh statue situated outside of Old Teachers’ College. I studied the Epic of Gilgamesh in Year 11 Extension English, and took particular fascination in it as it was regarded as the first great work of literature.

Context

The context of Gilgamesh was explained in the plague positioned below the statue: “Gilgamesh, Assyrian King of Uruk during the third millennium BC, is part God and part man. He sets out on a quest to seek immortality. In the course of his quest, he finds compassion, friendship, courage, love, and peace. In the 19th century, Sir Austen Henry Layard found clay tablets recounting the Epic of Gilgamesh in Ashourbanipal’s 8th century BC library at Ninevah. This Epic, one of the oldest written stories, is the basis of many myths, legends and tales, including modern ones.”

Purpose

The purpose of the text is to inform and educate as opposed to a deliberative or epideictic rhetoric approach. The bronze Gilgamesh statue was donated to The University of Sydney by the Gilgamesh Cultural Centre on behalf of the Assyrian community. This was also in celebration of the University of Sydney’s 150th anniversary. The plague positioned below the statue gives a vague overview of the history of Gilgamesh in regards to who Gilgamesh is and the time period in which this legend was set.

Author

The statue of Gilgamesh was built by a prominent artist named Lewis Patros. I attempted to do a thorough search on some of Patros’ other works but did not manage to find much, which adds a tinge of scepticism in regards to the ethos and credibility of the artist. However, the statue of Gilgamesh was undoubtedly immensely impressive and the detail of each aspect of the statue was immaculate, and I definitely commend Patros on his work.

Audience

The audience in which the statue of Gilgamesh may be directed to is relatively ambiguous. Anyone who takes an interest in history or particularly, ancient history, will take fascination towards the statue and the context of it. Individuals who have an interest in art would be intrigued at this stupendous statue and will analyse its very detail as well as attempt to decipher what each feature of the text means. The main idea that is being conveyed in the bronze statue of Gilgamesh is the fact that he is part God and part man, as stated in its description. Gilgamesh is sculpted to be of a huge proportion in comparison to the lion he is seen to be holding. This could be a symbol of the power his mortal self contains, as well as producing the characteristics of a lion, representing authority, courage, and dominion. The lion he is gripping could imply that he is protecting his ‘animal’ side as he continues on his quest to seek immortality, which makes me question whether his inhuman side is required for him to live an eternal life. In addition to his tall and intimidating stature, Gilgamesh’s clenched fist adds to the ferocity he elicits.

Place

My experience of the text was enhanced by the environment the Gilgamesh statue was situated in. The fact that the statue is in the open air enabled you to get up close and personal with it, allowing you to do a full 360 degree examination of every detail of the statue.