CHAPTER 2
EGYPT- GIFT OF THE NILE
Egyptian Literature Quiz
Name: Pacia, Wendel Jae G.
Formative Assessment 1
To Whom Should I Speak Today
1. The poems tone is ____________________.
a. desolation b. anxiety c. determination c. comfort
2. Enumerate 4 reasons of the speaker’s distrust to fellowmen.
The speaker of the poem distrusts his fellowmen because: brothers do the otherwise from what a
brother normally does; love does not exist anymore among his former fellows; many fellows
today ransack each of his fellow's life; people change over a period of time but this change is
unlikely for the better.
3. Why do you think the speaker keeps on repeating the line “To whom should I speak today?”
The speaker keeps on repeating the “To whom should I speak today?” for it is the method of the
speaker of foregrounding and he wants to give an emphasis to that idea.
4. To whom should I speak Today
The righteous are no more
The land is given over to evil doers These lines mean
a. Our world is colonized by criminals c. Our land is filled wit profane
individuals
b. We are ruled by wicked leaders d. We are burdened by blameless rulers
He Walketh by Day
1. In the poem “He Walketh By Day”, the sycamore symbolizes
a. will of God b. door to God c. a fig tree d. foundation of faith
2. What is the man’s prayer to the Lord in” He Walketh by Day”?
a. overflowing material blessing c. divine guidance and protection
b. complete healing d. strengthened faith and spiritual maturity
3. When the sky is illumined with Crystals
Then gladden my road and broaden my path and clothe me in light.
Illumined means a. obscure b. cloud over c. blacken d. lighten up
4. What is the prayer of the man as revealed in the lines found in item no. 37?
a. protection b. affection c. deliverance d. provision
5. Why is it entitled “He Walketh by Day?”
It was entitled “He Walketh by Day” to give a clue that during the day, his mode of
transportation is walking.
Tale of Sinuhe
1. “The Tale of Sinuhe” opens with the narrator (Sinuhe) introducing himself as a henchman who
serves the Royal Consort of Sesostris, the daughter of __________.
a. Osiris b. Agamemnon c. Amenemmes d. Imhotep
2. When Sinuhe first heard of the king’s death, what was his primary emotion?
a. Happiness b. Sadness c. Excitement d. Dread
3. Near the end of his life, what does Sinuhe most wish to do?
a. Get wives and money c. Move to Rome
b. Cheat death d. Return to Egypt
4. What does the king of Egypt say when Sinuhe asks to return? (I’m paraphrasing, of course.)
a. Stay where you are, traitor c. You can only come if you prove yourself
b. Convince me d. Sure, you did nothing wrong, come on home
5. What does the king NOT promise Sinuhe upon his return?
a. Funeral dancers c.A fancy sarcophagus
b. An offering list in his name d. A pyramid
6. What explanation does Sinuhe give for his run from Egypt?
a. He was scared c. Someone told him to go
b. Someone pursued him d. None of the above; he just left
Tale of the Doomed Prince
1.The best theme of the Tale of the Doomed Prince is
a. Everything is well-planned by the creator
b. you could not escape destiny; it will always follow
c. No one is perfect, even you, so learn to forgive
d. An act of evil can lead into distrust
3-5. Enumerate the three animals in which the prince was doomed to die.
The three animals in which the prince was doomed to die are dog, snake, and crocodile.
Tale of the Eloquent Peasant
1. In the “Eloquent Peasant” what made King Amenemhet convince of the peasant’s innocence?
a. insurmountable effort in the farm c. magnificent petition of land owner
b. notable speaking ability d. pitiful beg for justice
2 In “The Eloquent Peasant” why was Khun-Anup charged of damaging Meritensa’s property?
a.Khun-Anup and his donkey trampled over the crops
b. Nemtynakht indicted Khun-Anup of trickery and theft
c.The King was angry of his blunt speech
d.His rhetorical powers annoyed Nemtynakht
3. Explain the reason why Khun-anup was charged of destroying the fields of Nemtynakht.
Khun-anup was accused of destroying the fields of Nemtynakht because he fell for his
tricks and enables his donkey to eat barley on the land of Rensi, which Nemtynakht
then used as an excuse to seize Khun-goods Anup's and donkeys.
Summative Assessment 1
To Whom should I speak Today
1. The poem voices the idea that problems in human relations were as acute then as
they are now. Why? Give evidence from the poem.
The poem voices the idea that problems in human relations were as acute then as they are now
because the author experienced a drastic change in human behavior. It was emphasized in fifth
stanza;
To whom should I speak today?
There is no heart of man
Whereon one might lean.
He highlighted the fact that most folks cannot be trusted, that no one can be relied upon, and that
we should not rely on anyone at this time.
2.Cite one practical situation where you have experienced such sorrow, yet, you do not
know to whom should you speak, to whom should throw up all your regrets, to whom
should you confine himself for the brutal acts you had done before.
Growing up, I have witnessed how my family shattered into pieces. The heartbreaking
sound of my parents’ anger to each other made me question our whole existence. They
separated and it crashed my whole world. I have no one to speak about this matter
because people started judging our situation. I told no one and cried myself alone
during night. My relatives started to act like they care not until you turn your back and
they started to bark. No one understood me even my own family that all I want is for us
to live peacefully. To live together and fight for life.
3. Do you think this problem in human relations can be rectified? How?
I think, yes. These problems can be fixed through communication and showing our real
feelings about it. I believe with these; it will help us assess our actions that will
somehow lead us to realizations. Humanity still exist and will stay still if we want to.
4. Describe the author’s style in conveying his message.
The style of the author was actually effective. The use of repetition makes the poem
more relatable and easier to understand. Through the use of straightforward language,
the poem's tone of misery, discomfort, and heartbreak successfully reaches the readers.
He Walketh by Day
1. Create a one sentence theme of this poem and explain stating evidence from the
poem.
Faith strengthens those who believe in Supreme being. The poem as a whole talk about
having faith in God. In the first stanza, it introduces that he is the way, truth, and life.
Just like how the speaker asks for guidance, it will never be given to you if you have a
fragile faith.
2. What is the significance of this poem?
The poem provides a powerful message that makes it significant. It tells the readers that
someone is with us and that we are guided by a supreme being. It encourages the
readers to keep the faith alive and strong for it is a foundation for a brighter light in the
dark.
Tale of Sinuhe
1. Choose two from the three themes found in the tale and explain.
Free Will and Determinism Divinity Home
Free will and determinism and home can be found as themes in Tale of Sinuhe. Sinuhe
had the freedom to choose his own path after King Amenemhat died. After he fled to
East, his determination to live becomes stronger as he fought for battles as he was
chosen as the commander of military. Home is also the theme of the story. It highlights
that, there is no place like home just like how Sinuhe longed to be back in Egypt. Sinuhe
finally got back to Egypt, lived his remaining life there, and buried in tombs of elite class.
2. How does the story of Sinuhe’s flight from and return to Egypt reflect the struggle
between chaos and order?
His decision to leave Egypt left him scared for personal reasons made him struggle to
find his peace. This was clearly shown when the king died. After living some life outside
Egypt, Sinuhe decided to go back to his homeland where nothing change in terms of
peace and order. He was welcomed and provided things, and finally found the peace
and life he was longing.
Tale of the Doomed Prince
1. The idea of personal fate, destiny or doom surely played an integral role in people’s
lives. How is this reflected in the tale?
The story clearly emphasizes fate, destiny, or doom in ancient Egypt and how they
value their fate. However, it demonstrates that everyone has a destiny of their own and
we are all destined to meet our fate, whether it be happiness or death. The characters,
especially the king, believed that the fate of his son should never happen.
2. How is bravery and heroism reflected in the tale?
Bravery and heroism were reflected though the journey of the prince. In order to save
and wed the princess, the prince pulls off a daring act of heroism. In addition, his
bravery was shown facing one of his dooms asking his father to give him a dog.
Tale of Eloquent Peasant
1.Ma'at is the ancient Egyptian law based on the idea of harmony and balance and
allows for the social hierarchy to be prevalent in citizen's everyday lives. This theme is
present throughout the poem. Describe the concept of law and justice in ancient Egypt.
Maat, a concept that dealt with human values, morals, and the overall structure of
society, served as the foundation for much of Egyptian law. By giving the voice to the
people, it emphasizes the value of fairness and equality in one's personal and social
development, much like in the Tale of the Eloquent Peasant. Equality and justice are
being served to those who deserve it in ancient Egypt.
2. Make a story map by completing the following in the chart. Provide one sentence
theme only.
STORY ELEMENTS
CHARACTERS SETTING
Khun-anup 91850 BCE during the
Middle Kingdom
Rensi
period in Egypt
Nymtenakht
PLOT
Problem
The plot centers on a peasant who needs to travel
far from his home to sell his product and on his
way, falls victim to a covetous local official's
trickery and robbery.
Solution
The peasant seeks for justice and eventually won
against Nemtynakht with his eloquence.
Theme
A genius mind speaks louder than the mouth of a
greedy man.
