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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. How does Sinuhe describe his life in Akhetaton?

2. How many years does Sinuhe spend in Akhetaton?

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

4. When Sinuhe is dumped in the desert, and Aziru's chariots approach him, what do they do to Sinuhe?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sinuhe believe that if Aton falls, he does not want to live? What does he mean when he says, "it was another speaking?"

2. During the battle with the Hittites in the holy war, why do the Hittites not turn and run when they are losing?

3. Why does Sinuhe free Kaptah when they return to Egypt? What has happened to their relationship? How do you think the loss of Minea affected Sinuhe's ideas of slavery?

4. Why does Sinuhe tell Horemheb that Princess Baketaton asked after him at her mother's deathbed when she did not seem really taken with Horemheb? Do you think Sinuhe believes that there is an attraction there? Or is he flattering Horemheb to get what he wants?

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. How does Horemheb get control over the city after Pepitaton has caused such chaos?

8. Upon meeting again with Horemheb, Sinuhe argues in defense of Pharaoh Akhnaton's beliefs. Do you think the loss of Minea affects the basic belief system of Sinuhe? How do you think he views religion now? Remember his experience in the House of Life as a student and then look at his experience with Minea and the bull? What do you think his beliefs are now?

9. When Sinuhe, Minea, and Kaptah arrive in Crete, what does Sinuhe notice about their idea of death?

10. When Kaptah and Sinuhe find the droppings from a large animal, what does this indicate will happen as they work through the labyrinth? What will they find?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Sinuhe returns to the House of Life to teach, what does he find about the students that surprises him? What is he expecting? What does he actually find? Why is this a disappointment to him?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the friendships in the novel. Who are childhood friends and who are long-time friends? How does this affect behavior? Give examples from the novel of how friendships affect power.

Essay Topic 3

Sinuhe talks with Thothmes about asking the question "why?" What is Sinuhe discovering about being inquisitive in the House of Life? Why is asking "why?" so threatening to the others he is studying with? What answer does Thothmes give him? Do you think Thothmes is correct in his answer?

(see the answer keys)

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