Part 3: Writing to Analyze the Epic Hero in Gilgamesh

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

They advanced to the monster's den. Humbaba / charged out roaring at them and said, / "I know you, Gilgamesh. Don't be a fool." Gilgamesh felt his courage return. / They charged at Humbaba like two wild bulls. He could not move forward, could not retreat. / Gilgamesh saw it, he leaped upon him, / he held a knife to Humbaba's throat.

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." Which explanation best connects this illustration to the point being made?

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

Read the point and the chart below. Point: Gilgamesh believes in the power of supernatural forces. Which statement best completes the blank in this chart?

Frightened by what he faces, Gilgamesh pleads to the god Shamash to protect him on this dangerous journey.

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

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.'"

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." Which statement best paraphrases these sentences from the text?

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

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 on and attack the monster. We have come so far. Whatever you are feeling, let us go on." Which statement best paraphrases evidence to support the conclusion that Gilgamesh is an effective and confident leader?

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

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. Which explanation best connects this illustration to the point being made?

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

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 steps split the mountains of Lebanon, the clouds turned black, a sulfurous fog descended 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. What is the best conclusion that can be drawn about Gilgamesh's character from this excerpt?

He demonstrates bravery and takes risks.

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 hands you 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 pound like a kettle drum. 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 men's minds forever." Which evidence from the excerpt best illustrates the point that Gilgamesh is a leader who believes in teamwork?

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.

The P.I.E. strategy for developing a body paragraph of an essay states that one should first make a point, then illustrate that point with examples, and finally conclude with an explanation

of how the illustration is connected to the point being made.