Question

Read the excerpt from Gilgamesh: A New English Version.

"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 sentence best states the theme of the excerpt?

Gilgamesh ignores the threat of death.
People's actions determine their legacy.
Fighting for one's country is important.
With reassurance, Enkidu prevails.

Answer 1

The theme of the excerpt is that people's actions determine their legacy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The theme of the excerpt is that people's actions determine their legacy. The lines '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' emphasize the importance of noble actions and fighting for a greater cause. The theme is further reinforced when the excerpt mentions forgetting about death and inspiring joy in battle, suggesting that the characters are more focused on leaving a lasting impact than on their own mortality.