Question

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,
scared to ishtar, where the gods
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
what harm can come to us? let us go on
and attack the monster. we have come so far
let your heart inspire you
to be joyous in battle, to forget about death
if we help each other and fight side by side,
we will make a lasting name for ourselves
we will stamp our fame on mens minds forever
which sentence best states the theme of the excerpt?
gilgamesh ignores the threat of death
peoples actions determine their legacy
with reassurance, enkidu prevails
fighting for ones country is important.

Explanation:

The text emphasizes that by helping each other and fighting together, they will make a lasting name and stamp their fame on men's minds forever. This indicates that their actions (helping and fighting) will determine their legacy. The other options are not as central. "Gilgamesh ignores the threat of death" is only part of the message. "With reassurance, Enkidu prevails" is not the main theme. "Fighting for one's country is important" is not mentioned in the text.

Answer:

People’s actions determine their legacy