Question

2: epic hero: gilgamesh
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 dwell,
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,
and all men will know what a coward i have been.\

gilgamesh answered, \dear friend, dear brother,
i cannot kill humbaba alone.
please stay here with me. stand at my side.
two boats lashed together will never sink.
a three - ply rope is not easily broken.
if we help each other and fight side by side,
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.\

which sentence best states the theme of the excerpt?

gilgamesh needs support to overcome his fear.

people must persevere despite their fears.

cowardice leads to defeat and death.

enkidu is a loyal source of encouragement.

Explanation:

The excerpt shows Enkidu's fear and Gilgamesh's need for support, but Enkidu later encourages perseverance. The theme is about pushing through fear. The option "People must persevere despite their fears" captures this as Enkidu's words urge not to hesitate, emphasizing perseverance over fear.

Answer:

People must persevere despite their fears.