There's an underlying theme of the value of domesticity in the text, which I think runs parallel to the theme of civilization.
It's probably not a coincidence, but rather by design, that Siduri (the alewife) runs an inn (inns were associated to prostitution in that era). Siduri's urging Gilgamesh to abandon his quest in favour of indulging in domestic pleasures is, in some sense, a mirror to the domesticating of Enkidu.* And both of these are linked to some of the broader themes of the value of civilization.
(* And interestingly, Siduri first sees Gilgamesh as a possible thief, because's he's so dirty from his voyage, similar to how Enkidu was first seen as a wild man.)
It's probably not a coincidence, but rather by design, that Siduri (the alewife) runs an inn (inns were associated to prostitution in that era). Siduri's urging Gilgamesh to abandon his quest in favour of indulging in domestic pleasures is, in some sense, a mirror to the domesticating of Enkidu.* And both of these are linked to some of the broader themes of the value of civilization.
(* And interestingly, Siduri first sees Gilgamesh as a possible thief, because's he's so dirty from his voyage, similar to how Enkidu was first seen as a wild man.)