Introduction
Pharaoh's Daughter is a historical novel by Julius Lester that that re-imagines the story of Moses's childhood.
The setting is Ancient Egypt, about 1300 years before Christ.
For historical reasons, the author uses some alternate spellings and names, including
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Identity Crisis
Most people don't choose their own religion; rather, they simply inherit the religion of their parents. There are, of course, exceptions. Some people, having explored the ideas of a "foreign" religion, voluntarily decide to convert to a faith that is different from the one that they grew up in.
Have you ever thought about changing your religion?
- How do you think your parents would react?
- What might you gain? What might you lose?
In Pharaoh's Daughter, the author explores these themes. (A theme is a central idea or "life lesson" that runs throughout a story).
Did you know? The author, Julius Lester, converted from Christianity to Judaism soon after writing Pharaoh's Daughter. Do you think he may have written this novel as a way of working through his own beliefs about religion? |
Point of View
The story is told from two points of view:
- Part 1 is told from the point of view of a Almah, a 12-year Habiru girl who is the older sister of the baby Mosis.
- Part 2 is told from the point of view of Mosis, some 15 years later.
Almah and Mosis share a deep connection. Both were taken from their Hebrew home and adopted by the pharaoh's family. Not surprisingly, each of them suffers a sort of identity crisis.
- Who am I, really?
- Where do I belong?
- What do I believe?
These are questions that no one can answer for them. Caught between two cultures, each must decide on their own who they are, and who they want to be.
Highlight This! As we read through the novel, I want you to mentally highlight each time a character:
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Discussion Have you ever felt caught between two cultures? How did each of these cultures shape your identity? |
Instructions for the Quiz
Answer the questions.
Quiz