Question

writing to analyze the epic hero in 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,

which statement best paraphrases evidence to support the conclusion that
gilgamesh is an effective and confident leader?

gilgamesh encourages enkidu to stay by telling
him that together they will be strong enough to
defeat humbaba.

gilgamesh reminds enkidu of how far they have
come and how disappointed he will be if enkidu
leaves now.

gilgamesh uses clever comparisons about boats
and ropes to inspire enkidu to stay and help him in
the attack.

gilgamesh demands that enkidu stay by his side,
reminding him that one person alone cannot defeat
humbaba

Explanation:

To determine the best paraphrase, analyze each option:

• First option: Gilgamesh encourages Enkidu by emphasizing their combined strength to defeat Humbaba, showing confidence in leadership (encouraging teamwork).
• Second option: Focuses on disappointment, not effective leadership.
• Third option: The text uses boat/rope metaphors, but the first option directly states they’ll be strong together, better supporting “effective and confident leader.”
• Fourth option: “Demands” is not confident leadership; the first is about encouragement.

The first option best shows Gilgamesh’s confidence (they can win together) and effectiveness (encouraging Enkidu to stay).

Answer:

Gilgamesh encourages Enkidu to stay by telling him that together they will be strong enough to defeat Humbaba.