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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. What is Memnon's reaction to the hunt?
(a) He kneels in the plain and cries.
(b) He becomes bloodthirsty.
(c) He is stone-faced and silent.
(d) He has tears in his eyes.

2. While Lostris is pregnant, what is the one thing she asks for that she does not get?
(a) A new palace in Thebes.
(b) Snow from Syria.
(c) Freedom for Taita.
(d) A promotion for Tanus.

3. How long is Taita imprisoned by King Arkoun?
(a) Five years.
(b) One year.
(c) Two years.
(d) Two months.

4. Why are the Egyptians easily able to capture the Shilluk village in Cush?
(a) The men are out on the plain hunting oryx.
(b) The people are not hunters and thus not prepared to defend themselves.
(c) The people had been betrayed by their chief.
(d) The village is small and insignificant.

5. Why does Taita think he deserves to be called the best artist in all the land?
(a) Because of his painted murals.
(b) Because of his writing prowess.
(c) Because of his medicinal skills.
(d) Because of his clay pots.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the name of the place where the two rivers meet?

2. Why is Taita able to build an experimental squadron of chariots?

3. How are the Hyksos a backward people, according to Taita?

4. Why does Lostris wait in the palace as the Hyksos approach?

5. Why does Queen Lostris establish a stone monument just past the first cataract?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why will so few people ride astride a horse? (Throughout the novel, only Hui, Taita, and Memnon dare this.) What reaction do they get when people see them astride the horses? Why do you think they get this reaction?

2. What is the bittersweet ending to Tanus's life? Why does he never tell Memnon the truth of his paternity? Do you think Tanus dies in peace?

3. The Egyptians are terrified at the approach of the Hyksos army. What are the reasons for their fear? Do these fears contradict or affirm their previous actions as warriors? Who understands the importance of this eastern enemy the best?

4. As the great journey south begins, why does Queen Lostris not board her ship? Is this a good example of her leadership? Why?

5. Why do you think Smith goes into details about the mummification of Pharaoh's body? Is this fitting to the novel? Especially in relation to Taita's character, since he is involved in the embalming, do the details add to or detract from the story?

6. How does Pharaoh bring justice following the revelation of Lord Intef as Akh-Seth? How is his punishment for the Shrikes suitable? Additionally, how is it the harshest punishment an Egyptian can suffer?

7. How does Taita justify the enslavement of the Shilluk people? What does he observe about their customs and what does he seek to change? How do the Shilluk customs of marriage differentiate, in a large part, their culture from that of the Egyptians?

8. At age five, how does Memnon begin to assert himself? How does Smith draw out the contradictions between his age and his social position? What does Memnon's attitude predict for the future?

9. Both Tanus and Taita are struck with longing for Ethiopians possessions: the blue sword and the horses, respectively. How do these passion signal deep trouble in the future? How do these desires change the men's thinking?

10. Why do the common people love Lostris? What does she do to encourage their love? How does she prepare the way for their acceptance of Memnon as rule?

(see the answer keys)

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