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." which sentence best states the theme of the excerpt? a) people must persevere despite their fears. b) enkidu is a loyal source of encouragement. c) gilgamesh needs support to overcome his fear. d) cowardice leads to defeat and death.

a) People must persevere despite their fears.

Explanation:

In the story of "Gilgamesh: A New English Version" by Stephen Mitchell, the story plot revolves around the theme of friendship, loyalty, courage and perseverance. This epic follows the conquest and bravery of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk and his close friend Enkidu against their enemy Humbaba.

The given excerpt in the question shows the scene where Enkidu felt scared to be facing Humbaba but the presence of his friend Gilgamesh gave him courage, knowing that he will not be alone. In this discourse, the theme that is displayed is the need of perseverance despite the presence of fear, in the face of death.

answer; i believe the correct answer is ( indirect characterization);