View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Lostris wait in the palace as the Hyksos approach?
(a) She wants to test Tanus's love.
(b) She would rather die in her palace than be a wanderer.
(c) She will not board the ship until all her people are onboard.
(d) She does not realize the Hyksos are so close.

2. Why does the queen not want her people to build a temple to Ammon-Ra?
(a) She wants them to remain travelers.
(b) There are not enough raw materials in the area.
(c) She does not worship Ammon-Ra.
(d) She already built a temple to Hapi.

3. How does Lord Intef escape his execution with the Shrike barons?
(a) He argues that his execution will tarnish his daughter's reputation forever.
(b) He buys his own life with half of his treasure.
(c) He poisons the guards and slips out a secret passageway.
(d) He pleads with Pharaoh for mercy.

4. At the beginning of the long voyage south, what is Memnon's favorite toy?
(a) His colt.
(b) Taita's unused scrolls.
(c) His building blocks.
(d) His bow and arrows.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Tanus accuses Lord Intef of being the chief of the Shrikes, what is Lord Intef's reaction?

2. According to ancient Egyptian belief, what causes the Nile to flood?

3. How does Taita remove the arrow from Pharaoh's chest?

4. How does Taita escape from Arkoun?

5. Where does the Shepherd King shoot his first arrow as the battle begins?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the Nile floods? How does this event bring together science and religious observation? How is it also an opportunity for vice, particularly greed?

2. 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?

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

4. 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?

5. How do the Egyptian ships navigate through the cataracts? How is this a testimony to their technological skill, especially because of Taita?

6. When Tanus returns to Thebes to reveal Akh-Seth and exonerate himself from the death penalty, what sounds are there? How do the sounds, especially voices, help to explain the scene?

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

8. 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?

9. Why does Queen Lostris demand an elaborate tomb for her husband? What does this say about her loyalty to Pharaoh and does it contradict her order that Egyptians would not make their home in the land of Cush?

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 2,232 words (approx. 8 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample