Egyptian Poetry
Ancient Egyptian Poetry
Things to Consider:
- History/Timeline
- Roles/Views of gods (mono- vs. polytheism)
- Repetition of images (i.e. Bull in Gilgamesh)
- Expression of desire/sexuality
- Animism
** Homework Questions**
3:
- Why, according to the editors, is "oral literature" a
contradiction in terms?
- Explain the significance to non-literate societies of stock
phrases, traditional sayings, and proverbs.
7:
- Explain the importance of the Nile River.
27:
- What is hieratic writing?
Religious Poetry:
(from The Leiden Hymns, ca. 1238 B.C.)
"God is a master craftsman"
- How does God create himself?
"How Splendid You Ferry the Skyways"
- Describe the relationship between the speaker and
Horus. (see link on phototropism )
"When Being Began Back in Days of the Genesis"
- How does God create himself? How is this version the same
or different from that found in "God is a Master Craftsman"?
"Egyptian Love Poems" (ca. 1300-1100 B.C.E.)
"The Beginning of the Song"
28-29:
- Describe the use of puns in this poem.
"I Wish I Were Her Nubian Maid"
30-31:
- What is the general message of the poem?
"Am I Not Here With You"
32-33:
- What is the general message of the poem?
Other Discussion Questions:
4:
5:
- What is hieroglyphic writing? How is it different
from cuneiform?
8:
- What is the difference between orthopraxy and orthodoxy?
27:
- When was the New Kingdom Era?
Religious Poetry:
- Do these poems express a monotheistic or polytheistic
view? Explain.
"My God, My Lotus"
29-30:
- What is the general message of the poem?
- Explain the significance of the fish
image.
- Explain the significance of the crocodile
image.
"I Passed Close By His House"
31-32:
- What is the general message of the poem?
"Seven Whole Days"
32:
- What is the general message of the poem?
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