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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Lord Intef engineer the downfall of Lord Harrab, Tanus's father?
(a) Pharaoh had promised great riches to Lord Harrab.
(b) Lord Intef was jealous of Lord Harrab's virtue, popularity, and wealth.
(c) Lord Harrab had cheated Lord Intef out of several thousand gold rings.
(d) Lord Harrab was corrupt in his land dealings with Lord Intef.

2. How does Taita explain his absence to Pharaoh?
(a) He does not have a convincing reason.
(b) He says that he was on secret business for the goddess Hapi.
(c) He says these things are too holy to be spoken of.
(d) He secretly tells Pharaoh everything that happened.

3. When Tanus disappeared, to whom did he hand over his squadron and Pharaoh's seal?
(a) Taita.
(b) Kratas.
(c) Safaga.
(d) Lord Intef.

4. What color does Lostris wear to prove she is a virgin bride?
(a) Gold like the sun.
(b) Blue like water lilies.
(c) Red like fine wine.
(d) White like a pure heart.

5. Out of the thirteen barons, how many are killed in this first battle with Tanus?
(a) Nine.
(b) Four.
(c) Three.
(d) Eleven.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Taita conquer Shufti?

2. What happens when Taita approaches Lord Intef to explain Lostris's love for Tanus?

3. In the pageant duel with Rasfer, why does Tanus not kill Rasfer?

4. What is the symbol of Pharaoh's power?

5. Why does Taita conduct Pharaoh's tours of his treasuries?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Taita describe the hippo hunt? How does he see the animal in relation to divinity? What is the effect of the hippo hunt on Taita?

2. What is the significance of the double crown of Egypt? Why might Taita mention it so often when he describes Pharaoh?

3. What will be the crowning moment of Pharaoh's life? What is Taita's reaction to this moment and how does the reaction seem contrary to Egyptian thought?

4. How does Taita foreshadow the coming marriage for Lostris? How does this affect the element of surprise within the novel?

5. Throughout this first section, what evidence does Taita give that he is a favored slave? What was the cost of this favor?

6. Describe the murder of Tod onstage during the festival pageant. What does Taita reveal about humanity, as he perceives it, during this scene?

7. Why is Taita angered when he sees Lord Intef in Thebes? What does this reveal to the reader about Taita's character?

8. When Taita disguises himself as a priest so that he is not recognized in his native city Thebes, how is he treated? What does this say about the Egyptian people's attitude toward their religion? What does this say about the priests' ethics?

9. In the days leading up to Lostris's wedding, Taita is not allowed to go near her. Even during the wedding ceremony, he stands at the back of the crowd and cannot see much. What is the literary significance of Taita's inability to see Lostris? How does this relate to Smith's silence about Tanus's reaction?

10. What is the immediate effect as Tanus begins to rout the Shrikes? How does this change affect people's loyalty to Pharaoh? What do you think might be the long-term effects of this new loyalty?

(see the answer keys)

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