Good and Evil

The universal theme of good versus evil is demonstrated in many areas of this novel. To promote this theme the author polarizes people and populations. In a general sense the Egyptians are perceived as good, while their enemies (mainly the Hyksos) are perceived as evil. The two populations are described using vastly different adjectives which sets an undertone and further enforces the theme. The Egyptians are described as cultured, while the Hyksos are described as barbaric. A less judgmental approach would be to say that the two cultures valued different things, but the author chooses to describe each culture in such a way that reinforces the ideas of good and evil. Much of the book is dedicated to the exodus, where the fragile Egyptian population is chased into exile by the ruthless Hyksos.

Similarly, Taita's character is good, while Rasfer is evil. Taita is a compassionate...