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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. What gift does Tanus give to Memnon before he dies?

2. How does Taita escape from Arkoun?

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

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

5. After he is captured by Arkoun, why is Taita revered?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

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

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. 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?

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

What is the question of slavery in Taita's mind? Despite his position in life, why does he justify it? How does his opinion fit with ancient Egyptian culture? Reference pages 118 and 432, among others, for Taita's words.

Essay Topic 2

Twice Taita wishes that he could retract the evil he had spoken: Lostris's marriage and the coming of the Hyksos. How effective is this as a literary technique? Does it build suspense for the reader or diminish it? How does it change the reader's expectations for what happens next in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

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

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