Part 3: Writing to Analyze the Epic Hero in…

Read the point that is being made and the illustration that follows it.Point: Gilgamesh is a strong warrior who triumphs in battle.Illustration: As the two men leave the forest and float down the river, Gilgamesh carries the head of Humbaba.

A

The two men build a raft, and Enkidu steers because Gilgamesh is holding Humbaba’s head.

B

Gilgamesh holds Humbaba’s head to signal his ultimate defeat of the beast Humbaba and, thus, his strength.

C

This proves that Gilgamesh is courageous because he does not fear revenge from those close to Humbaba.

D

Enkidu and Gilgamesh likely take the beast’s head to prove to everyone that he is actually dead.

2

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Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh said, "Courage, dear brother,this is no time to give in to fear.We have come so far, across so many mountains,and our journey is about to reach its goal.”

A

Gilgamesh commands Enkidu to stay strong because they are about to reach the end of their long journey.

B

Gilgamesh encourages Enkidu by reminding him that they have traveled a long way and are very close to achieving their goal.

C

Gilgamesh tells Enkidu to have courage because they will definitely win after the horrific things they have endured.

D

Gilgamesh tries to inspire Enkidu by reminding him that they have had to cross many mountains to get where they are.

3

Read the point that is being made and the illustration that follows it.Point: Gilgamesh is a courageous leader.Illustration: Enkidu is frightened of Humbaba and wants to turn back, but he tells Gilgamesh, "You go into the dreadful forest, you kill Humbaba and win the fame.”

A

Enkidu also tells Gilgamesh that he “will return now to great-walled Uruk” and that all men will know he has been a coward.

B

Although Enkidu fears for his own life, he is thoughtless and does not necessarily fear for the lives of others.

C

Enkidu is deeply fearful of Humbaba, and he strongly believes that Gilgamesh has the courage and ability to defeat Humbaba alone.

D

This proves that Enkidu does not believe that anyone can defeat Humbaba, even if he thinks Gilgamesh should at least try.

4

What evidence from Gilgamesh: A New English Version best supports the conclusion that Gilgamesh is an epic hero? Select 3 options.

A

Gilgamesh said, “Courage, dear brother, / this is no time to give in to fear.”

B

Dread surged through Gilgamesh, terror flooded / his muscles, his heart froze, his mouth went dry, / his legs shook, his feet were rooted to the ground.

C

Gilgamesh felt his courage return. / They charged at Humbaba like two wild bulls.

D

Gilgamesh dropped his axe, appalled. / Enkidu said, “Courage, dear friend, / Close your ears to Humbaba’s curses.”

E

He yelled, he lifted / his massive axe, he swung it, it tore / into Humbaba’s neck

5

Read a student’s analysis of Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh is an epic hero partly because he is a strong, effective leader who believes in teamwork. For example, when Enkidu expresses fear about continuing on the journey, Gilgamesh tells Enkidu that he needs help killing Humbaba and encourages him to persevere. Moved by the speech, Enkidu decides to continue on with the mission.

A

an introductory statement of the point that is being made

B

an example to illustrate the point being made in the paragraph

C

the explanation that connects the point to the examples provided

D

the student’s opinion of the author of Gilgamesh’s choice of words

6

Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh said, "Courage, dear brother,this is no time to give in to fear.We have come so far, across so many mountains,and our journey is about to reach its goal.You were raised in the wild, with your own handsyou have killed marauding lions and wolves,you are brave, your heart has been tested in combat.Though your arms feel weak now and your legs tremble,you are a warrior, you know what to do.Shout out your battle-cry, let your voice poundlike a kettle drum. Let your heart inspire youto 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 men’s minds forever.”

A

Gilgamesh said, “Courage, dear brother, / this is no time to give in to fear. / We have come so far, across so many mountains”

B

You were raised in the wild, with your own hands / you have killed marauding lions and wolves, / you are brave, your heart has been tested in combat.

C

Though your arms feel weak now and your legs tremble, / you are a warrior, you know what to do.

D

If we help each other and fight side by side, / we will make a lasting name for ourselves, / we will stamp our fame on men’s minds forever.

7

Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh, hearing his beloved friend,came to himself. He yelled, he liftedhis massive axe, he swung it, it toreinto Humbaba’s neck, the bloodshot out, again the axe bit fleshand bone, the monster staggered, his eyesrolled, and at the axe’s third stroke he toppled like a cedar and crashed to the ground.

A

compassionate because he listens to his friend.

B

strong because he is triumphant in battle.

C

practical because he does what it takes to survive.

D

confident because he takes unnecessary risks.

8

Read the point and the chart below.Point: Gilgamesh has the bravery and strength to triumph in battle.Which statement best completes the blank in this chart?

A

Gilgamesh yells, lifts his massive axe, and swings it aggressively at Humbaba’s neck three times.

B

Humbaba suffers great blood loss before staggering and toppling to the ground like a cedar tree.

C

Gilgamesh fiercely attacks Humbaba repeatedly with his axe until the monster topples and crashes to the ground.

D

Humbaba is severely injured by the attack, as evidenced by the fact that the axe cut through flesh and bone.

9

citesummarizequoteparaphrase

A

cite

B

summarize

C

quote

D

paraphrase

10

Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh stopped. He was trembling. Tears flowed down his cheeks. "O Shamash,” he cried, "protect me on this dangerous journey. Remember me, help me, hear my prayer.”

A

Frightened, Gilgamesh pleads with the god Shamash to protect him during this dangerous journey.

B

Trembling and crying, Gilgamesh honors Shamash so that Shamash will grant his wish.

C

Gilgamesh shows great respect for the god Shamash by praying to him for protection.

D

Shamash is a powerful god, so Gilgamesh asks him to provide safety as he faces great danger.

11

What evidence from Gilgamesh: A New English Version best supports the conclusion that Gilgamesh is a strong leader?

A

Gripping their axes, their knives unsheathed, / they entered the Forest and made their way through / the tangle of thorn bushes underfoot.

B

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.’”

C

Enkidu saw his dismay and said, / “Dear friend, great warrior, noble hero, / don’t lose courage, remember this . . .”

D

They came within sight of the monster’s den. / He was waiting inside it. Their blood ran cold. / He saw the two friends, he grimaced, he bared / his teeth, he let out a deafening roar.

12

Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh stopped. He was trembling. Tears flowed down his cheeks. "O Shamash,” he cried, "protect me on this dangerous journey. Remember me, help me, hear my prayer.”

A

Frightened, Gilgamesh pleads with the god Shamash to protect him during this dangerous journey.

B

Trembling and crying, Gilgamesh honors Shamash so that Shamash will grant his wish.

C

Gilgamesh shows great respect for the god Shamash by praying to him for protection.

D

Shamash is a powerful god, so Gilgamesh asks him to provide safety as he faces great danger.

13

Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh said, "Courage, dear brother,this is no time to give in to fear.We have come so far, across so many mountains,and our journey is about to reach its goal.You were raised in the wild, with your own handsyou have killed marauding lions and wolves,you are brave, your heart has been tested in combat.Though your arms feel weak now and your legs tremble,you are a warrior, you know what to do.Shout out your battle-cry, let your voice poundlike a kettle drum. Let your heart inspire youto 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 men’s minds forever.”

A

Gilgamesh said, “Courage, dear brother, / this is no time to give in to fear. / We have come so far, across so many mountains”

B

You were raised in the wild, with your own hands / you have killed marauding lions and wolves, / you are brave, your heart has been tested in combat.

C

Though your arms feel weak now and your legs tremble, / you are a warrior, you know what to do.

D

If we help each other and fight side by side, / we will make a lasting name for ourselves, / we will stamp our fame on men’s minds forever.

14

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? Let us go onand attack the monster. We have come so far.Whatever you are feeling, let us go on.”

A

Gilgamesh demands that Enkidu stay by his side, reminding him that one person alone cannot defeat Humbaba.

B

Gilgamesh reminds Enkidu of how far they have come and how disappointed he will be if Enkidu leaves now.

C

Gilgamesh encourages Enkidu to stay by telling him that together they will be strong enough to defeat Humbaba.

D

Gilgamesh uses clever comparisons about boats and ropes to inspire Enkidu to stay and help him in the attack.

15

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 stepssplit the mountains of Lebanon,the clouds turned black, a sulfurous fogdescended 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 Humbaba’s throat.

A

He prides himself on his triumphs in battle.

B

He believes in the power of teamwork.

C

He relies on supernatural forces to save him.

D

He demonstrates bravery and takes risks.

16

Read the point that is being made and the illustration that follows it.Point: Gilgamesh is a courageous leader.Illustration: Enkidu is frightened of Humbaba and wants to turn back, but he tells Gilgamesh, "You go into the dreadful forest, you kill Humbaba and win the fame.”

A

Enkidu also tells Gilgamesh that he “will return now to great-walled Uruk” and that all men will know he has been a coward.

B

Although Enkidu fears for his own life, he is thoughtless and does not necessarily fear for the lives of others.

C

Enkidu is deeply fearful of Humbaba, and he strongly believes that Gilgamesh has the courage and ability to defeat Humbaba alone.

D

This proves that Enkidu does not believe that anyone can defeat Humbaba, even if he thinks Gilgamesh should at least try.

17

Which examples from Gilgamesh: A New English Version most effectively illustrate the point that Gilgamesh takes risks? Select 3 options.

A

From far off they saw the Cedar Mountain, / sacred to Ishtar, where the gods dwell, / the slopes of it steep, and rich in cedars

B

They advanced to the monster’s den. Humbaba / charged out roaring at them and said, / “I know you, Gilgamesh. Don’t be a fool.”

C

Gilgamesh felt his courage return. / They charged at Humbaba like two wild bulls.

D

He could not move forward, could not retreat. / Gilgamesh saw it, he leaped upon him, / he held a knife to Humbaba’s throat.

E

Gilgamesh chopped down the mighty trees, / Enkidu hewed the trunks into timbers.

18

Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh said, "Courage, dear brother,this is no time to give in to fear.We have come so far, across so many mountains,and our journey is about to reach its goal.”

A

Gilgamesh commands Enkidu to stay strong because they are about to reach the end of their long journey.

B

Gilgamesh encourages Enkidu by reminding him that they have traveled a long way and are very close to achieving their goal.

C

Gilgamesh tells Enkidu to have courage because they will definitely win after the horrific things they have endured.

D

Gilgamesh tries to inspire Enkidu by reminding him that they have had to cross many mountains to get where they are.

19

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.

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.

20

Read a student’s analysis of Gilgamesh: A New English Version.Gilgamesh is an epic hero partly because he is a strong, effective leader who believes in teamwork. For example, when Enkidu expresses fear about continuing on the journey, Gilgamesh tells Enkidu that he needs help killing Humbaba and encourages him to persevere. Moved by the speech, Enkidu decides to continue on with the mission.

A

an introductory statement of the point that is being made

B

an example to illustrate the point being made in the paragraph

C

the explanation that connects the point to the examples provided

D

the student’s opinion of the author of Gilgamesh’s choice of words

Part 3: Writing to Analyze the Epic Hero in Gilgamesh Answers

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