Question

read the excerpt from gilgamesh: a new english version.
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,
what harm can come to us? let us go on
and attack the monster. we have come so far.
whatever you are feeling, let us go on.

which statement best paraphrases evidence to support
the conclusion that gilgamesh is an effective and
confident leader?
○ gilgamesh demands that enkidu stay by his side,
reminding him that one person alone cannot defeat
humbaba.
○ gilgamesh reminds enkidu of how far they have
come and how disappointed he will be if enkidu
leaves now.
○ gilgamesh encourages enkidu to stay by telling him
that together they will be strong enough to defeat
humbaba.
○ gilgamesh uses clever comparisons about boats and
ropes to inspire enkidu to stay and help him in the
attack.

Explanation:

The correct option needs to both paraphrase the excerpt and show Gilgamesh as an effective, confident leader. The excerpt has Gilgamesh using analogies (boats, rope) to emphasize that together they are strong, then urging Enkidu to attack Humbaba with him. The best option frames this as him encouraging Enkidu by highlighting their combined strength to defeat the monster, which demonstrates his confidence in their joint ability and effective leadership to rally his companion.

Answer:

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