Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version . 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?" The author includes this excerpt to establish Gilgamesh as
B
a long-distance traveler.C
a devoted servant of Shamash.Gilgamesh uses affectionate words and a memorable proverb about boats and ropes to persuade his friend to stay and fight beside him. His question, “what harm can come to us?” reinforces his appeal for cooperation. This establishes him as a compelling speaker, not as a servant, traveler, or ruthless warrior.
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