Question

beginnings and classical literature
gilgamesh: a new english version, book v
translated by stephen mitchell
they stood at the edge of the cedar forest,
marveling at the great height of the trees.
they could see, before them, a well - marked trail
beaten by humbaba as he came and went.
from far off they saw the cedar mountain,
sacred to ishtar, where the gods dwelt,
the slopes of it steep, and rich in cedars
with their sharp fragrance and pleasant shade.
gripping their axes, their knives unsheathed,
they entered the forest and made their way through
the tangle of thorn bushes underfoot.

suddenly enkidu was seized by terror,
his face turned pale like a severed head.
he said to gilgamesh, \dear friend, i cannot
continue, i am frightened, i cannot go on.
you go into the dreadful forest,
you kill humbaba and win the fame.
i will return now to great - walled uruk.\

\let your heart inspire you
to be joyous in battle, to forget about death.
if we help each other and fight side by side,
we will make a lasting name for ourselves,
we will stamp our fame on men’s minds forever.\

which sentence best states the theme of the excerpt?
options (partial visible): gilgamesh ignores the threat of death.; with reassurance, enkidu prevails.; people’s actions determine their legacy.

Explanation:

To determine the theme, analyze each option:

• "Gilgamesh ignores the threat of death" focuses on Gilgamesh's attitude, but the quote emphasizes joint action for legacy.
• "With reassurance, Enkidu prevails" centers on Enkidu's persuasion, not the core message of the quote.
• "People’s actions determine their legacy" matches the quote’s emphasis on working together in battle to create a lasting name/fame (legacy) through their actions.

Answer:

People’s actions determine their legacy