Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh backed away, He said,"How dreadful Humbaba’s face has become! It is changing into a thousand nightmare faces, more horrible than I can bear.I feel haunted. I am too afraid to go on.”Enkidu answered, "Why, dear friend, do you speak like a coward? What you just said is unworthy of you. It grieves my heart.We must not hesitate or retreat.Two intimate friends cannot be defeated.Be courageous. Remember how strong you are. I will stand by you. Now let us attack.”Gilgamesh felt his courage return.They charged at Humbaba like two wild bulls.
Answer
A
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.
B
Encouraged by Enkidu’s bravery, Gilgamesh pretends to be brave and follows Enkidu’s lead in attacking Humbaba.
C
Enkidu, Gilgamesh’s closest friend, reminds him that he must be courageous so they can defeat Humbaba together.
D
Despite his momentary horror at seeing Humbaba’s dreadful face, Gilgamesh overcomes his fear with encouragement from his companion.
Explanation
Gilgamesh says he is too afraid to continue, but Enkidu encourages him and reminds him that they can face Humbaba together. The excerpt then says Gilgamesh’s courage returns and the two charge. This best supports D: Gilgamesh overcomes his fear with encouragement from his companion. B is unsupported because the passage does not say Gilgamesh is pretending to be brave.
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