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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Lostris delay the burial of her husband past the seventy days of embalming?

2. How does Lostris ensure that Tanus is a part of her son's life?

3. After setting up the stone monument, why does the queen give Taita the Gold of Praise?

4. What is Pharaoh's last wish to Lostris?

5. Why does Lostris establish a dozen hospitals and hotels for poor people in Thebes?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the reaction of both Tanus and Pharaoh to the news of Lostris's pregnancy? What do their reactions say about their personal priorities?

3. What is Taita's reaction to the birth of Memnon? How does he slightly bridge the gap between the roles that both Tanus and Pharaoh play in Lostris's life?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. Why does Nembet disregard Tanus's warning about the Hyksos army? What does this say about gaining a military reputation in ancient Egypt? What ultimate price does Nembet pay?

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. How does Lostris deal with Lord Aqer's disgruntlement? Including previous instances of dissatisfied people, what does this say about her leadership? Is she well suited to lead the Egyptian people?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Taita a realistic character? To what extent is it plausible that he is gifted in so many areas?

Essay Topic 2

What significance is there in the fact that Memnon's first wife is from another culture? Does it counteract Lostris's desire that Egypt remain a wandering nation in Cush rather than settling down? How does this expand the range of Egypt's power even before Memnon becomes king?

Essay Topic 3

What role does Rasfer play in the novel? To what extent is he the obvious incarnation of Lord Intef's evil thoughts? What is Rasfer's role in Taita's life? Does Taita, in the end, forgive him?

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