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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. Where does the Shepherd King shoot his first arrow as the battle begins?
(a) Randomly into the Egyptian troops.
(b) Toward Tanus.
(c) Into Pharaoh's throne.
(d) Into Taita's leg.

2. What moment does Taita mark as the turning point in Egypt's history away from despair?
(a) When Tanus wins a battle again.
(b) When Lostris and Memnon take power.
(c) When Pharaoh dies.
(d) When Tanus rallies his troops again.

3. How does Arkoun die?
(a) He falls off the castle bridge, a thousand feet down.
(b) Tanus fatally stabs him.
(c) Taita cuts off his head.
(d) He receives a deep arrow wound in his chest.

4. For the end of the Osiris festival, what did Taita design and build?
(a) A higher dais for Pharaoh's throne.
(b) Scaffolding stands for people to sit in.
(c) A small version of Pharaoh's home palace.
(d) A grander stage for the pageant.

5. How are the Hyksos a backward people, according to Taita?
(a) Their women are treated like slaves.
(b) Their means of warfare are primitive.
(c) They serve savage gods.
(d) They cannot read or write.

Short Answer Questions

1. How do Hui and Taita capture the runaway Hyksos horses?

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

3. How does Taita map out the Nile as the ships travel on it?

4. What would happen if Lostris bore the illegitimate child of another man?

5. What does Taita do before he tells Pharaoh that Lostris is pregnant again?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Taita explain Lostris's second pregnancy? Why does the council believe him? What from Lostris's reputation prepares them to believe Taita's story?

2. What is the attitude of the Hyksos as they face the Egyptians in battle? What do you think is the reason for this arrogance? What has led them this far west?

3. 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?

4. Why do Lostris and Tanus disagree over the fate of the Hyksos horses? How does this argument illustrate their respective places in society?

5. 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?

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

7. Who is Arkoun? Why is he a powerful man? At the same time, what in Taita's descriptions portray him as a pathetic man?

8. What is Pharaoh's reaction to the revelation of Akh-Seth? How does this demonstrate his weakness as a leader?

9. 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?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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