Mesopotamia and Sumer

Mesopotamia and Sumer

Mesopotamia and Sumer: The following is a Sumerian proverb. Poverty is a human condition common to all recorded societies. Some societies celebrate the sacrifices of the hard-working poor; for instance, early Christians believed that the meek would inherit the Earth. Other societies believed that poverty was a curse sent to those who sin. What do we learn about Sumerian attitudes towards paupers in this proverb, found on various stone tablets? How lowly is the poor man! A mill for him is [merely] the edge of the oven; His ripped garment will not be mended; What he has lost will not be sought for!

The poor man by his debts is he brought low! What is snatched out of his mouth must repay his debts.

Whoever has walked with truth generates life. (Source: http://www.sumerian.org/proverbs.htm) Questions: Does this seem to be an accusatory poem or a sympathetic poem? What lesson do you think those who told this story were trying to convey, based on what we know of Sumerian culture? Write at least 150 words considering what you think this poem tells us about Sumerian society.
Mesopotamia and Sumer