Question

Gilgamesh backed away, He said, "How dreadful Humbaba’s face has become! It is changing into a thousand nightmare faces, more horrible than I can bear. I feel haunted. I am too afraid to go on.” Enkidu answered, "Why, dear friend, do you speak like a coward? What you just said is unworthy of you. It grieves my heart. We must not hesitate or retreat. Two intimate friends cannot be defeated. Be courageous. Remember how strong you are. I will stand by you. Now let us attack.” Gilgamesh felt his courage return. They charged at Humbaba like two wild bulls. Which statement best paraphrases evidence to support the conclusion that Gilgamesh is courageous? Humbaba’s face is so terrifyingly hideous that it must have taken great courage for the men to even look at him in the first place. Encouraged by Enkidu’s bravery, Gilgamesh pretends to be brave and follows Enkidu’s lead in attacking Humbaba. Enkidu, Gilgamesh’s closest friend, reminds him that he must be courageous so they can defeat Humbaba together. Despite his momentary horror at seeing Humbaba’s dreadful face, Gilgamesh overcomes his fear with encouragement from his companion..

Answer 1

The statement that best paraphrases evidence to support the conclusion that Gilgamesh is courageous is the last one: Despite his momentary horror at seeing Humbaba’s dreadful face, Gilgamesh overcomes his fear with encouragement from his companion.

Humbaba the Terrible was the guardian of the Cedar Forest, where the gods lived. Heroes Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu went there in order to capture and slay the monster, but, upon seeing him, the brave Gilgamesh started to flee away from him, horrified by his features. Thanks to his companion, however, who reminds him of his strength and of their intimate friendship, which make them invincible, he is finally able to overcome his fear and kill the giant.