examples of gilgamesh being selfish

The piece was difficult to translate, and there are two main version for the Epic of Gilgamesh. The gods hear the desperate pleas of Uruk's citizens and send down a demigod in the image of Gilgamesh who will teach the tyrant king the error of his ways and turn him into a benevolent ruler. Enkidu is caring and thoughtful and equal to Gilgamesh in strength. For example, Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk, a city of culture, and personifies the highest of human virtues . To him, everyone else paled in comparison. The two heroes quickly become inseparable friends and embark on an epic quest. (By the way, that last quote is a comma splice. In the epic Gilgamesh, the characters traits of both Gilgamesh and Enkidu help to build a lasting friendship through their differences. Later in his life, Gilgamesh is able to kill the Bull of Heaven that send against him by Ishtar (lovemaking goddess). Gilgamesh is eager to show off his kingdom of Uruk to Ur-shanabi, also complementing it. My friend, your dream is favorable, The dream is very precious as an omen Further at dawn the word of Shamash will be in our favor. (116: Lines 26-31) During this journey, not only did Gilgamesh experience fear but the feelings of brotherhood, love and compassion; Gilgamesh would speak to Enkidu about his fears and would embrace each other during the nights for warmth., The lessons revealed in The Epic of Gilgamesh are the purpose of the story. In the beginning, Gilgamesh was seen as a strong ruler, but he was also seen as some what a selfish tyrant going around taking what he wanted, when he wanted it. He is also two thirds god. What made Gilgamesh, from The Epic of Gilgamesh, such an epic hero. Instead of feeling safe under a divine ruler, people feel threatened and pray to gods to protect them. Because the gods control all of the things that happen to humans in the epic, they often revere the gods out of fear alone. His worst deed of all is dragging Enkidu down with him when he angers the gods. In any case, his tyranny is severe enough to make them cry out to the gods for help. Reflecting on his rule, he recalls that, He demanded from an old birthright/the privilege of sleeping with their brides (15). As the king of Uruk, he already has what will secure his own fame and glory: a grand city that it is up to him to lead, to rule, to improve, to protect. One of these values is the act of having right conduct toward others, or heroism. They viciously murder Humbaba even after he pleads for mercy. He is described as being an extremely arrogant king who enlists each male born into his army and unmercifully overworks the citizens. Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is a terrific example of how the human needs can surpass the desires and wishes of other humans, and how the humans can attack and destroy the nature for its own satisfaction and fulfillment. We see the definition of "good king" change from "awfully good at killing monsters" to "really good at ruling a city.". He was unaware of the implications of his mortality. (Even if it might not actually work.) Gilgamesh is so strong willed he seems arrogant, he, In the beginning Gilgamesh is said to be two-thirds god and one-third man. This suggests heuristic qualities such as doing good deeds, having integrity and living by one's ethics was something valued highly in ancient Sumeria., In story begins with the people in Uruk describing Gilgamesh as an overly aggressive ruler who sacrifice his warriors during fights, rapes nobles wives, takes whatever he pleases and tramples anyone who gets in his way. After losing the plant of eternal life, Gilgamesh returns to his kingdom of Uruk. On page 99, lines 2-50 Gilgamesh comes off as a cocky and selfish young king. After walking through the forest and finding Humbaba, the duo begins to use their weapons to lash out at the forest beast. Gilgameshs selfishness blinds him from seeing the negative repercussions that would affect. In comparison, its always observed on how different scholars find the similarity of especially marital settings, characters, and as well as the wanderings of the mythological world. He does whatever he wants, throwing all caution to the wind until the piper comes looking for his payment in the form of Enkidu's life. See, killing things is a really good skill if you're the head of a band of wandering nomads. Gilgamesh is eager to show off his kingdom of Uruk to Ur-shanabi, also complementing it. Regardless, the two continue to celebrate, immaturely throwing their braggadocio in the gods faces. Dont have an account? Imagine: your mom is a goddess and your dad was the king before you. Discount, Discount Code Gilgamesh, human son of the Goddess Ninsun and King Lugalbanda, was named the 5th king of Uruk in Mesopotamia around 2700 BCE, and reined for 126 years. What are the similarities and differences between Enkidu and Gilgamesh in The Epic of Gilgamesh? The Epic of Gilgamesh can be compared to the hero tale, The Odyssey. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. Gilgamesh is a selfish, rude, and self-centered person at the beginning of the epic. This is the story of two great men in two different eras. He is too smart and too strong, and no one can be his equal. This shows that Gilgamesh is no longer selfish and only cares about himself, but also that he learns to care . However, Enkidu chose friendship over becoming the perfect leader. It is only after he learns the story of the flood from Utnapishtim, the epiphany that he becomes his most noble and wise self. O Gilgamesh, king and conqueror of the dreadful blaze glory to him and from the brave the greater glory is Enkis (22)! This forms a type of two-way bond between . Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! On page 99, lines 2-50 Gilgamesh comes off as a cocky and selfish young king. She took it upon herself to disguise herself as a man, and take her father's position in the army due to his advancement of age and fragility. When Gilgamesh realizes that Enkidu is really dead, he tells Urshanabi: "I was terrified by his appearance, I began to fear death" (10.137-138). The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. with oil, and dressed his body in new clothes, The gods still chose Gilgamesh to be king and ruler of Uruk even though the people of Uruk were scared of Gilgamesh and had abused his power given by the. Selfish behavior is often described as . But when Enkidu dies for him, he has a change of heart. After Enkidu challenged Gilgamesh to a contest of strength, they became best friends. Throughout the epic, Gilgamesh and Enkidu kiss and hug each other frequently. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. In short, there seems to be no consideration for the possible consequences of any of his actionsand we're back to that "bad boy" on the motorcycle. In a way Gilgamesh cannot help but to be the selfish king that he is because, he came into this personality due to his upbringing and surroundings and his overall being. Throughout the text, it is easy to follow the character development of Gilgamesh. However, Gilgamesh is often unstable. This advice from his country of Uruk did not stop him. For example, Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk, a city of culture, and personifies the highest of human virtues, such as fairness, bravery, and courage. So Enkidu ate his fill of the cooked food, and drank the beer. Selfish people are uncaring and neglectful of other people's needs. Gilgamesh is the handsomest, strongest, and most powerful man in the world. Does this mean that Gilgamesh still feels like he's missing something, even with his new friend? Having been conceived by a goddess, he had not only extraordinary strength, but status as well. Renews March 11, 2023 This displays Gilgameshs impatience because he will not listen when his friend wants him to slow down and think about his choices. And he became a "hero," a leader, a trusted companion, a protector of his peoplein short, no one could "compare with him in kingliness" (1.29-43). The Epic of Gilgamesh | Quotes Share 1. Gilgamesh goes from this arrogant king to a lonely grieving person with fear of, One important aspect of The Epic of Gilgamesh is that it communicates the prevailing societal values of ancient Sumeria. He touched his heart but it was not beating (Gilgamesh 133 line 52). Gilgamesh is a terrific example of how the human needs can surpass the desires and wishes of other humans, and how the humans can attack and destroy the nature for its own satisfaction and fulfillment. Gilgamesh and Enkidu ruthlessly triumph over Humbaba and in their celebration. Written by Sumerians on clay tablets thousands of years ago, The Epic of Gilgamesh has been a window for the modern world to see the thoughts and beliefs of these ancient people. In Tablet 1, Gilgamesh is strutting around very proud of himself. Some young daredevils end up in an early grave. Although Enkidu and Gilgamesh initially fought, a strong friendship was sealed between them. Of course Enkidu ends up being a good addition to Gilgamesh 's life. The character, emotional and psychological development of Gilgamesh can be borrowed especially from the ancient heroic perspectives of mortality and death while comparing with Achilles. He shows a sense of pride, being proud of the kingdom wanting to invite him in. Enkidu is caring and thoughtful and equal to Gilgamesh in strength. What kind of person is Gilgamesh? Let me harness you chariot of lapis and gold, its wheel shall be gold and its horns shall be amber. The people of Uruk began hailing Enkidu as their hero. Examples Of Archetypes In Shrek. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, https://www.enotes.com/topics/epic-gilgamesh. He had seen everything, had experienced all emotions, / from exaltation to despair. Gilgamesh finds his adversary, fights him, only to embrace him and be best friends. Enkidu was made because Gilgamesh was not capable of being a good King. Although Enkidu was weary of this idea at first, he ultimately agrees to the plan, despite the fact that he knows this act will displease Enlil, the god that put Humbaba in the forest. This is central key to all of his adventures and accomplishments (Wolff, 2009). This ending proves that what made Gilgamesh physically heroic was his bravery to go on a journey, even though it was driven by immortal desire. Another change in Gilgameshs behavior is shown when he urges Ur-shanabi [to] climb Uruks wall and walk back and forth! As far as he's concerned, being king is a license to do whatever he likes. The men of Uruk gossip and did not trust Gilgamesh. He is arrogant, and walks around looking down on people. With the power Gilgamesh had. Wait. Even more than most ancient heroes, Gilgamesh's behavior is not particularly heroic by modern standards. The gods hear their plea and decide to make a companion for Gilgamesh that will be just as strong as he is. Instead of being a benevolent king and shepherd to his people, Gilgamesh rules Uruk as a tyrant. By the end of the epic, Gilgamesh, who was initially antagonistically depicted as domineering, transforms into the wiser protagonist who has the courage to accept the notion of death and his fate as a mortal, Gilgamesh on the other hand is the ruler of Uruk. Survey its foundations, examine the brickwork A square mile is city, a square mile date-grove, a square mile is clay-pit, half a square mile the temple of Ishtar: three square miles and a half is Uruks expanse. (George, 99). He had good manners, and protected the oppressed people of Uruk from Gilgamesh. The text is still not completely understood today., However, Gilgamesh received the response that he was young, foolish, and most definitely not invincible. Ace your assignments with our guide to The Epic of Gilgamesh! ". One of Gilgameshs many desires is to win fame and glory for himself and his descendants. Neither men nor women are safe from him. As a result, Gilgameshs corruption prohibits him from calling himself a great king among other. And when you think about the Sumerians being some of the first people to settle down in cities, you get a sense of why this epicand Gilgameshare so important. He also is two thirds god and his father was the king before him., The story of Gilgamesh starts off by the description of Gilgamesh, "the strongest one of all,the perfect,the terror" (Ferry 4). 20% After the death of friend (Enkidu), Gilgamesh set out in his quest for immortal life. In the epic, his friendship and adventures undertaken with Enkidu, the death of Enkidu, and his failure to achieve immortality are key factors that led to the development of Gilgamesh 's character. When he experiences defeat, however, Gilgamesh grows as a leader, seeing the similarities between him and his subjects, their common humanity. In other words, this makes him a supernatural hero. Throughout the story, Gilgamesh is portrayed as bravery and courageous, Surprisingly, Gilgamesh is scared, and almost reluctant to fight when he first sees Humbaba. The men of Uruk gossip and did not trust Gilgamesh. Published works of art are always found to have similarities with other published pieces. In the beginning of Gilgamesh, he is described as doing whatever he wants and being juvenile in a way. He would compel young men to participate in an unknown activity which was despised by them. The two are scolded by Enlil, who is mortified that Humbaba has been killed and in the manner that it happened. However, Enkidu chose friendship over becoming the perfect leader. Through this companionship with Enkidu, Gilgamesh starts to realize his incapabilities and need for his friend. But if you're living in a city, with all the things that a city needssanitation, division of labor, taxes, buildingswell, you need a different skill set. He faces the battle with Hambaba, the death of his friend, he passes through the mountain, When it comes to the topic of Gilgamesh rejection towards Ishtar, most people will readily agree that his rejection was due to his feelings of inadequacy towards Ishtar. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. Come, Gilgamesh, be you my bridegroom! Comparing to the ancient mariner, Gilgamesh also demonstrates despicable characteristics of the human being, like greed and selfishness. Published by an anonymous author, people assume that Mulan lived in the Northern Wei (386- 534) in the Northern Dynasties Period (386- 581) C.E. He focuses on his strength and lets no one speak against him. In one part of the epic, Gilgamesh defeats, The story opens on Gilgamesh, a two-third god and one-third man, a hero, more beautiful and courageous than any ever known, and whose undertakings embody our own. Gilgamesh is the handsomest, strongest, and most powerful man in the world. Having this into consideration, Enkidu owes life to Gilgamesh, or at least shall be thankful to Gilgamesh for his own existing. As a result, his people fear him. Examine its foundation, inspect its brickwork thoroughly" (11.314-315). By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Latest answer posted November 14, 2018 at 10:04:09 AM. The message from your critic is clear: You are paying too much attention to your own wants, needs, and well-being, and not enough attention to others. Seven jugs of the beer. However, Gilgamesh is often unstable. However, after the presence of Enkidu was made, Gilgamesh started to become the more noble and favored ruler of Uruk. The other side of Gilgamesh begins to surface from this event, instead of a fearless and oppressive ruler that he was describe as, we can see Gilgamesh in fear trying to seeks for guidance. Regardless, the two continue to celebrate, immaturely throwing their braggadocio in the gods faces. He had many extraordinary qualities, and heroic characteristics. He and the Boat man then return to Uruk, where Gilgamesh proudly displays the beauty of the city he built. Comparing to the ancient mariner, Gilgamesh also demonstrates despicable characteristics of the. He was their sovereign but never their shepherd. Joseph was bullied or disliked by his brothers, while Gilgamesh was the bully and had people afraid of him. However, he has some qualities that gets him into trouble, such as his overconfidence and his violence. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Gilgamesh's treatment of the men is less clear, since some text is missing at this point, but it seems that he uses them as forced labor to build and fortify the city of Uruk. Although he fails to defeat Gilgamesh in single combat, Enkidu, whom the gods send as a champion against Gilgamesh, does stop him from claiming the first night with new brides. In The Epic of Gilgamesh, what is the symbolic significance of Humbaba? He helps destroy Humbaba and then he kills the Bull of Heaven. The citizens of Uruk resent Gilgamesh's arrogance and tyrannical behavior to the point that they petition the goddess Anu for help. believes he is one of the Gods and immortal and forgets that he is only 2/3 God. He was physically beautiful as well as strong. Whilst this is correct in some points there are other things involved that prove differently. from Oxford University Ph.D. from St. Andrews University. Gilgamesh was regarded as great hero in the people of uruk because of his wisdom and braveness. So in Gilgamesh, we not only see a boy becoming a man, we see a redefinition of kingship itself. The people who lived in the city would tell. Gilgamesh is very strong. Now, in this story Enkidu serves as a very valuable companion to Gilgamesh. The goddesses made Gilgamesh strong and near perfect in order to become the King of Uruk. For example, if you open up your emotions to them, they may try to manipulate you to get what they want or make you feel guilty. He is the fiercest of warriors and the most ambitious of builders. He also is two thirds god and his father was the king before him.. Without a prior ordinary world, Gilgamesh was born one third human and two third god. Enkidu is lucky for the friendship he has gotten from Gilgamesh, but it has also costed him. Not being willing to share. And yet, in what seems like no time, Gilgamesh suggests that he and Enkidu go to the distant Cedar Forest and do battle with the monster Humbaba. Throughout the story, Gilgamesh is portrayed as bravery and courageous, Surprisingly, Gilgamesh is scared, and almost reluctant to fight when he first sees Humbaba. Granted there were many other minuscule details that support loss as a major factor in . But when they finally arrive back in Uruk, Gilgamesh seems to have gotten control of himself. Hairy and brawny, Enkidu lived with animals in the wilderness. What does The Epic of Gilgamesh reveal to us about Mesopotamian culture and religion? eNotes Editorial, 15 Oct. 2020, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-is-gilgamesh-a-tyrant-in-the-beginning-of-the-381851. The people of Uruk began hailing Enkidu as their hero. She is accepted into the military as a male warrior. The villagers of Uruk say that [Gilgameshs] arrogance has no bounds by night or day(tablet 1, 62). In a way Gilgamesh cannot help but to be the selfish king that he is because, he came into this personality due to his upbringing and surroundings and his overall being. In sharp contrast, Enkidu was raised in the wild and is foreign to civilization. Joseph, a biblical man with great power and authority sold from the land of Canaan to the land of Egypt. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. He is too smart and too strong, and no one can be his equal. Why did Gilgamesh and Enkidu fight each other? After he gained justification from the Gods, Gilgamesh and Enkidu did in fact destroy the beast, but a curse was set in place. He also has to face great evils. For example, the harlot in Tablet 1 of the Epic of Gilgamesh. Enlil raged at them. Gilgamesh begins to make offerings to Shamash for help. Anu hears the people's cries, and the goddess Aruru creates an opposing warrior out of clay named Enkidu. This paper is about the similarities found in Mulan that relate to and are applicable to Gilgamesh. Tablet II Enkidu speaks these lines in Tablet II, as he and Gilgamesh prepare to invade the forbidden Cedar Forest and fight the demon Humbaba. Until Shamhat comes and takes Enkidu 's innocence, Enkidu does not even search for more than he already has. Gilgameshs journey went through four major elements that transformed his life: call to adventure, trails, approach and revolution. A forest journey: the role of wood in the development of civilization. This demonstrates Gilgameshs newfound appreciation for his city and life, and provides the audience with closure of his. Here is another sign that physical feats, especially the savagery of the deed, will not define Gilgamesh as a hero. on 50-99 accounts. After losing the plant of eternal life, Gilgamesh returns to his kingdom of Uruk. At the end five leagues, thick was the darkness and no light, nothing Gilgamesh could see ahead or behind him. He hears the slightest sound somewhere in the Forest. Gilgamesh's nature remains high-handed and arbitrary in this adventure and throughout the poem. Come, Gilgamesh, be you my bridegroom! Gilgamesh is a tyrant at the beginning of The Epic of Gilgamesh in that he works his citizens to death, forcibly conscripts young men into his army, and rapes women. As two-thirds god and one-third human, Gilgamesh had immense power. What are the moral lessons that we will gain in this epic? Many scholars see Gilgamesh as similar to both Odysseus and Achilles (Gresseth 5). What? Survey its foundations, examine the brickwork A square mile is city, a square mile date-grove, a square mile is clay-pit, half a square mile the temple of Ishtar: three square miles and a half is Uruks expanse. (George, 99). It is obvious that Gilgamesh . On the contrary, Gilgamesh plans to use the Plant of Heartbeat and [] feed some to [an ancient] (Gilgamesh, 98). The movie "Shrek" is great example of the saviour archetype. To add to their treachery, they mock the gods by laying Humbabas head before Enlil, the god who created Humbaba. Be you my husband and I your wife! However, after the presence of Enkidu was made, Gilgamesh started to become the more noble and favored ruler of Uruk. Examples Of Odysseus Being A Good Leader 784 Words | 4 Pages . Reflecting on his rule, he recalls that, He demanded from an old birthright/the privilege of sleeping with their brides (15). The massacre of the suitors is similar to Gilgameshs behavior earlier on as king of Uruk, harsh and unforgiving. Another event that changes Gilgamesh's character is the death of Enkidu. He began large-scale architectural and engineering projects that benefited the city of Uruk"mountain passes" and wells (1.37-38). Eesh, Gilgamesh, a simple "Excuse me, do you happen to know where I might find Utanapishtim?" Enkidu was made of clay and Arurus saliva, and had nearly equal power as Gilgamesh. There, Gilgamesh looks over his empire, and is astonished at what he sees. Gilgamesh oversteps the family boundaries, and this constant violation causes Gilgamesh to lose favor and love from his own subjects. He had many extraordinary qualities, and heroic characteristics. 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. No son is left with his fatherK His lust leaves no virgin to her lover, neither the warriors daughter nor the wife of the noble. At this point Gilgamesh is humbled by the fact that even he could not escape the wrath of death. During this period, we get a brief, secondhand glimpse of Gilgamesh from Gilgamesh's two strange dreams, recounted to Enkidu by Shamhat. Finally, he accepts his mortality on his way back to Uruk with the boatman alongside him: O Ur-shanabi, climb Uruks wall and walk back and forth! Through these acts of rebellion toward the gods, tricking of the gods, and the throwing of the Bull of Heavens leg at. The story of Mulan is originally a Ballad. He takes the boys in duel and has his way with the women. By this experience Gilgamesh starts to understand his vulnerability toward death and pain. We think Gilgamesh here is like the leather-jacket-wearing "bad boy" who races his motorcycle in the rain after he's been drinking whiskey all night: he may say he isn't afraid, but anyone with any sense would be afraid for him. For example, Gilgamesh is the king of Uruk, a city of culture, and personifies the highest of human virtues, such as fairness, bravery, and courage. He is a character who in some of the earliest epics is involved in martial settings as well as wanderings throughout the mythological worlds and to semi-divine mortals. This story will tell the comparisons and differences in their lifes journeys. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! In order to be able to keep his people alive he needs to be level headed and strong willed. Free trial is available to new customers only. This journey takes him into various leagues of darkness. The two are scolded by Enlil, who is mortified that Humbaba has been killed and in the manner that it happened. Maybe we shouldn't give Gilgamesh such a hard time for being an insufferable bully; he seems to have come by it honestly. When the epic opens, Gilgamesh is an arrogant and strong man. O Gilgamesh, king and conqueror of the dreadful blaze glory to him and from the brave the greater glory is Enkis (22)! However, Enkidu displays several acts of disobedience and trickery toward the gods, which mark him as the least religious character. New York: W.W. Norton, 1989. This might be true when describing Gilgamesh and his heroism, in The Epic of Gilgamesh, but he is also considered a hero because he follows the model of the mono-mythic quest. Enkidus friendship calms and focuses him. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. He recklessly abuses his power over his people; he rashly leads his friend Enkidu into the Cedar Forest to do battle with Humbaba despite the fact that Enkidu and all the elders of Uruk think this is a very bad idea; he smugly tells the goddess Ishtar that he isn't interested in a love connection. When they fight Humbaba, they both give moral support to each other when the other is scared. Upon meeting, in some might say, his better half, these labels seemed to be replaced with more dignified ones, and his behaviors and intentions became more pure. Mother always knows best? Gilgameshs impatience when asked to think about what he is doing showcases that he is not a virtuous. Read about another ancient epic character whose excesses cause strife, Achilles from Homers Iliad. After the death of Enkidu, Gilgamesh is forced to think about about his death, so he decided he need something that will help him to be immortal, I fear the death, and now roam the wilderness, Gilgamesh said. When Gilgamesh decides that he wants to fight Humbaba, he refuses to listen to Enkidus worries and protests, You [Enkidu] speak unworthilyI must set my hand to cutting a cedar tree,/I must establish eternal flame (Putchner et al 111). This demonstrates Gilgameshs newfound appreciation for his city and life, and provides the audience with closure of his. Survey the foundations, examine the brickwork [](Gilgamesh, 99). So, he pulls it together and becomes a wise and admired ruler. In other words, this makes him a supernatural hero. Gilgamesh starts off with a powerful live and then goes through some turbulence and Joseph start out with turbulence and becomes powerful. In fact, he appears more as a murderer than a great leader. You can view our. In sharp contrast, Enkidu was raised in the wild and is foreign to civilization. A good king can lose the favor of his people because without them, the glory of being a monarch diminishes, losing the respect and loyalty from his subjects. This paper is about the similarities found in Mulan that relate to and are applicable to Gilgamesh. He, looked at the walls, awed at the heights his people had achieved (92). Still, he held no compassion for his people: Khis arrogance has no bounds by day or night. They complained to Aruru, the goddess of creation, that she must make someone stronger than Gilgamesh. Never being prepared to do a favor unless you are getting something in return. this epic Gilgamesh is faced with reality on a few accounts. Gilgamesh impresses his people with his unusual abilities and strengthens by predicting the coming flood and building a magnificent wall around Uruk. At the end of his life, Enkidu briefly regrets his time with Shamhat, because of what it cost him. Another change in Gilgameshs behavior is shown when he urges Ur-shanabi [to] climb Uruks wall and walk back and forth! Gilgamesh was a brutal ruler to his kingdom though. As a result, Gilgamesh became afraid of his death and started to seek immortality, which is how the call to adventure has. And, then, there are some who find themselves face-to-face with something utterly terrifyingit is a condition known as "scared straight."