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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. Who is the sculptor in Akhetaton who builds all the statues and artwork for the city?

2. Why does Thothmes die?

3. When Sinuhe returns to Thebes the first time from Akhetaton, who has Kaptah lent money to?

4. Upon their return to Egypt, where does Kaptah want to take Sinuhe to have a drink?

5. What does Sinuhe do on a return to Thebes to show that he is equal to the rowers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the art like on the island of Crete? How does this reflect the way the people of Crete live?

2. Why does Sinuhe believe that his revenge against Nefernefernefer is childish? What happens to her? Is this a surprise to Sinuhe? Why? Why not?

3. Does Sinuhe believe Pharaoh Ahknaton to be mad? Does he believe his madness? When he says "something in me has matured to receive his message" what does he mean?

4. Upon returning to Egypt, what does Sinuhe find in the new artwork displayed in the city? Why is it so shocking? What has changed? Why is this significant to the story? Who does this threaten?

5. Which daughter does the Pharaoh Akhnaton favor and why?

6. What other spies had Horemheb sent to Syria? How did they travel and hide themselves? Under what guise did they travel? Do you think they were able to gather more or less information than Sinuhe because he was able to travel as a doctor?

7. What does the Pharaoh Akhnaton believe he should do about the situation in Egypt once he is informed by Eie and Horemheb? After an evening of thinking what is his answer to the problems in the country? Why is this his decision?

8. At the end of Book 14, Sinuhe says that the destiny of Egypt hangs on a woman's whim. Who do you think he is referring to and why?

9. What is the genius behind Kaptah's investments made for Sinuhe?

10. There is a belief on the island of Crete that those sacrificed to the god can return if they wish after a few days. They speak of a living god. How does this mirror modern religion? What message is the author trying to tell the reader?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of the Hittites is "Right is what we desire and wrong is what our neighbors desire." How does this philosophy outline their ideas about war?

Essay Topic 2

When Sinuhe opens a skull what is usually the outcome? Why is this considered good? How do the people view his work? Is his work making progress throughout the novel? How?

Essay Topic 3

Often in the novel a swallow or bird flies around in and out of scenes. What do you think this is a symbol of? Note when this happens in the novel and see if there is a pattern?

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