Question

which statement best describes the epic feature used in this excerpt and its effect on the plot?
○ the difficult journey that gilgamesh must undertake causes him to feel defeated.
○ the vast landscape that gilgamesh must travel through adds tension to the plot.
○ the intervention of the supernatural gives gilgamesh hope that he will defeat humbaba.
○ the narrative voice of the epic poem makes it difficult for the audience to relate to gilgamesh.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Gilgamesh is a heroic figure, and a difficult journey typically spurs him to action, not defeat him, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: While a vast landscape can add tension, in the context of "The Epic of Gilgamesh", supernatural intervention is a key epic feature. So this is not the best choice.
• Option 3: In epics, supernatural intervention (like gods aiding heroes) is a common feature. In Gilgamesh's story, supernatural help gives him hope to defeat Humbaba, which fits the epic structure and plot impact.
• Option 4: Epic narratives often make heroes relatable, and the narrative voice in "Gilgamesh" doesn't make him unrelatable. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. The intervention of the supernatural gives Gilgamesh hope that he will defeat Humbaba.