Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version. Then, from heaven, the voice of the god called to Gilgamesh: "Hurry, attack, attack Humbaba while the time is right, before he enters the depths of the forest, before he can hide there and wrap himself in his seven auras with their paralyzing glare. He is wearing just one now. Attack him! Now!" What effect does Lord Shamash's intervention have on the epic?
Answer
A
It encourages Gilgamesh to fight and adds excitement for the audience.
B
It causes Gilgamesh to slowly withdraw and provides the audience with relief.
C
It scares Gilgamesh and leads the audience to believe that Gilgamesh will lose.
D
It causes Gilgamesh to run away and increases the audience's unease.
Explanation
Lord Shamash urges Gilgamesh to attack Humbaba while Humbaba is vulnerable, before he can regain the protection of his seven auras. This divine encouragement helps Gilgamesh take action and pushes the battle forward, adding excitement for the audience. The intervention does not make Gilgamesh retreat or run away.
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