Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was Sen's initial reaction to the ghost of Qar?
What was Sen's initial reaction to the ghost of Qar?
What did Sen do when Qar told him to look away?
What did Sen do when Qar told him to look away?
How did Bastet react after the encounter with the ghost?
How did Bastet react after the encounter with the ghost?
What did Qar suggest as they approached the palace?
What did Qar suggest as they approached the palace?
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What did Sen think might have caused the strange events he experienced?
What did Sen think might have caused the strange events he experienced?
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What does the ghost imply about the gods of the past?
What does the ghost imply about the gods of the past?
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What is suggested about Sen's reaction to following Bastet?
What is suggested about Sen's reaction to following Bastet?
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What does the phrase 'the hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end' suggest about Sen's feelings?
What does the phrase 'the hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end' suggest about Sen's feelings?
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Why might Sen feel that his mouth was stuffed with papyrus?
Why might Sen feel that his mouth was stuffed with papyrus?
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What does Bastet’s reaction indicate about his feelings towards the ghost?
What does Bastet’s reaction indicate about his feelings towards the ghost?
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Study Notes
Characters
- Sen: Protagonist, young boy, feels unsure and panicked about following Bastet to the palace.
- Bastet: A cat, displays intelligence and awareness; can communicate without moving lips.
- Qar: The ghost, seems experienced and slightly bitter about the changes in society and gods.
Plot Summary
- Sen experiences a sudden, frightening encounter with the ghost of Qar while his cat, Bastet, is alarmed by the ghost's presence.
- Qar instructs Sen to look away during the encounter, indicating the ghost's own discomfort with the situation.
- After the ghost disappears, Sen temporarily thinks it could be a bad dream.
- Sen and Bastet head towards the palace, with Sen expressing anxiety about navigating their journey.
Setting
- The narrative takes place in ancient Egypt, with descriptive references to the environment like midday sun and half-built pyramids.
- The palace is looming and formidable, described as towering like gods, contributing to the tension of the scene.
Themes
- Change vs. Tradition: Qar expresses nostalgia for the past, suggesting discontent with the current state of society which Sen doesn't fully understand.
- Fear and Courage: Sen's fear about the ghost and the palace contrasts with the requirement to act bravely for answers.
Notable Dialogue
- Qar’s comment on the past emphasizes the old traditions and how he feels modern society lacks respect for the wisdom of elders.
Key Imagery and Emotion
- The description of Sen's physical sensations, such as a “stomach bile” and “mouth stuffed with papyrus,” highlights his anxiety and discomfort.
- The atmosphere is tense, illustrated by Bastet’s wide eyes and its avoidance of caution around the ghost.
Vocabulary
- Coerced: To be compelled or forced to act in a certain way.
- Simile for Dryness: Relevant phrases indicate Sen's discomfort, such as “mouth stuffed with papyrus”.
Inferences
- Bastet’s sudden movement reflects its anxiety and concern for safety around the ghost.
- Sen’s reluctance to go to the palace shows his fear and lack of familiarity with the surroundings.
- The ghost’s commentary about “new-dynasty kids” reveals his displeasure regarding the changing values of society.
VIPERS Questions
- The pace of their walking is implied to be slow with references to reluctance and discomfort.
- The scene sets up a potential for further conflict, hinting at interruptions or surprises inside the palace.
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