Question

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?

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.

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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

At first Enkidu and Gilgamesh are hesitant to go into the forest to kill Humbaba. However, eventually, Gilgamesh decides that he is strong enough to take on the beast. He does so and wins. Gilgamesh is proud of his victory and this show of strength. In the illustration, he demonstrates this by holding Humbaba's head.

The killing of Humbaba angers the Gods and Enkidu's life is taken as a result. This is the catalyst for Gilgamesh's great journey to find immortality as he comes to the realization the death is a possibility.