Stage 4 Chapter 5: A Pharaohly Big Deal

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason Sen believes he is being offered as a sacrifice?

The Pharaoh was murdered. (correct)

He has angered the people.

He neglected his duties at the hut.

He is a messenger from the gods. (correct)

How does Meret justify Sen's impending sacrifice?

He is the chosen one.

He needed to pay for the Pharaoh's mistakes.

He offended the Pharaoh during his rule.

He is considered a messenger from the gods. (correct)

What does Dje recall about a previous incident involving Sen?

Sen accidentally replaced a man's stomach with a watermelon. (correct)

Sen broke a special dish.

Sen caused a fire in the hut.

Sen forgot to feed the animals.

What is the crowd’s reaction to the sacrifice?

They love to celebrate a good sacrifice. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sen claim he cannot do that the gods require?

He cannot clean out a canopic jar. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Sen tied up?

To prevent him from escaping the palace. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dje suggest Sen should clean?

Under the rim to remove blood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'light sacrifice' discussed by Dje?

It refers to a minor offering or tribute. Signup and view all the answers

Who ultimately helps Sen escape from being tied up?

Bastet, using her claws. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does Sen learn at the end of the story?

To never enter the palace again. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 5 Summary

Sen finds himself bound to a stone plinth, awaiting a sacrificial offering to Osiris due to the Pharaoh's murder.
Meret informs Sen that his situation results from the need to appease the gods after the Pharaoh's death.
A crowd gathers, indicating the popularity of public sacrifices among the people.
Dje, Sen's master, argues with the guards, insisting Sen is not a divine messenger but rather a "naughty boy" who failed in his duties.
Dje recalls a past incident where Sen inadvertently replaced a man's stomach, demonstrating Sen's history of mishaps.
Sen tries to communicate his innocence, emphasizing he is not the messenger intended for the gods.
Bastet, a ghostly cat, reveals she is weaker now but manages to help by freeing Sen from his bonds stealthily.
Dje returns with news that the sacrifice will be minimal, focusing on "a little bit off the top."
Despite the grave situation, Dje seems cheerful, having received compensation for Sen's mistakes.
Sen quietly escapes the palace, vowing never to return after realizing his naivety and poor decision-making.

Key Themes

The importance of divine favor and the consequences of misfortune in ancient Egypt.
The humor in misunderstandings and misadventures, showcasing the lighter side of Sen's predicament.
The contrast between public expectation and personal accountability, particularly in Sen's relationship with Dje.

Character Analysis

Sen: A bumbling character lacking cleaning skills, finds himself in dire straits due to a series of mistakes.
Dje: Sen's master, who balances frustration with a humorous approach to Sen's failures.
Meret: Offers a blunt explanation of the situation surrounding Sen's sacrifice.
Bastet: The ghost cat who uses her remaining power to aid Sen, highlighting loyalty even in death.

Description

Dive into the dramatic narrative of Chapter 5 where Sen confronts the dire circumstances he's in, bound and facing a sacrificial fate. Explore the themes, characters, and plot twists that define this pivotal moment in the story. Can Sen navigate his predicament and find a way out?