Question

read the excerpt from gilgamesh: a new english version gilgamesh felt his courage return. they charged at humbaba like two wild bulls. the monster let out a deafening cry, his roar boomed forth like a blast of thunder, he stamped and the ground burst open, his steps split the mountains of lebanon, the clouds turned black, a sulfurous fog descended on them and made their eyes ache. then shamash threw strong winds at humbaba, the south wind, the north wind, the east and the west, storm wind, gale wind, hurricane, tornado, to pin him down and paralyze his steps. he could not move forward, could not retreat. gilgamesh saw it, he leaped upon him, he held a knife to humbabas throat. what is the best conclusion that can be drawn about gilgameshs character from this excerpt? he prides himself on his triumphs in battle. he believes in the power of teamwork. he relies on supernatural forces to save him. he demonstrates bravery and takes risks.

Explanation:

• Analyze option 1: The excerpt focuses on the battle action, not on Gilgamesh boasting about past triumphs. So this is incorrect.
• Analyze option 2: The excerpt shows Gilgamesh and a companion charging at Humbaba, but there's no clear indication of him believing in teamwork (the action is more about bold charging). So this is incorrect.
• Analyze option 3: Shamash helps, but Gilgamesh takes action (leaping on Humbaba, holding a knife) after. He doesn't rely on supernatural forces to save him; he acts bravely. So this is incorrect.
• Analyze option 4: Gilgamesh's courage returns, he charges at the monster, and when the opportunity comes (after Shamash's winds pin Humbaba), he leaps on Humbaba and holds a knife to his throat. This shows bravery (facing a fearsome monster) and taking risks (attacking a powerful monster).

Answer:

He demonstrates bravery and takes risks.