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 courageous?
option 1: enkidu, gilgamesh’s closest friend, reminds him that he must be courageous so they can defeat humbaba together.
option 2: humbaba’s face is so terrifyingly hideous that it must have taken great courage for the men to even look at him in the first place.
option 3: encouraged by enkidu’s bravery, gilgamesh pretends to be brave and follows enkidu’s lead in attacking humbaba.
option 4: despite his momentary horror at seeing humbaba’s dreadful face, gilgamesh overcomes his fear with encouragement from his companion.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: Enkidu reminding Gilgamesh to be courageous doesn't show Gilgamesh's courage, just a request.
2. Analyze Option 2: This focuses on men's courage generally, not Gilgamesh specifically.
3. Analyze Option 3: Saying Gilgamesh pretends to be brave contradicts the idea of him being courageous.
4. Analyze Option 4: It shows Gilgamesh has a moment of horror but overcomes it with his companion's help, demonstrating his courage.

Answer:

The statement "Despite his momentary horror at seeing Humbaba’s dreadful face, Gilgamesh overcomes his fear with encouragement from his companion." best paraphrases evidence to support that Gilgamesh is courageous.