When heroes love : the ambiguity of eros in the stories of Gilgamesh and David / Susan Ackerman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ackerman, Susan.

Series:

Gender, theory, and religion

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gilgamesh.

David, King of Israel.

David.

Jonathan (Biblical figure).

Jonathan.

Bible. Samuel--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Bible.

Bible. Samuel.

Homosexuality in literature.

Homosexuality in the Bible.

Local Subjects:

Gilgamesh.

Genre:

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Physical Description:

xvi, 353 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

New York : Columbia University Press, [2005]

Summary:

"In exploring the stories of Gilgamesh and Enkidu and David and Jonathan, Ackerman cautions against applying modern conceptions of homosexuality to these relationships. Drawing on historical and literary criticism, Ackerman's close readings analyze the stories of David and Gilgamesh in light of contemporary definitions of sexual relationships and gender roles. She argues that these male relationships cannot be taken as same-sex partnerships in the modern sense, but reflect the ancient understanding of gender roles, whether in same- or opposite-sex relationships, defined as either active (male) or passive (female). Her interpretation also considers the heroes' erotic and sexual interactions with members of the opposite sex."--Jacket.

Contents:

Of greeting cards and methods : understanding ancient Near Eastern sex

Introducing Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh and Enkidu

The liminal hero, part 1

The liminal hero, part 2

Introducing David

David and Jonathan

Liminality and beyond.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 301-326) and indexes.

ISBN:

9780231132602

0231132603

9780231132619

0231132611

OCLC:

57342000