Eng 220 Essay Topic: Read Closely The Ancient Egyptian Tale

Eng 220essay Topicread Closely The Ancient Egyptian Tale Of The Ship

Read closely the Ancient Egyptian "Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor" and then write an essay interpreting the story and explaining its possible significance and implications. Begin by ascertaining as clearly as possible the literal level of meaning so it is clear to you what is happening in the story. Then proceed to interpret the story on deeper levels. Make sure your essay is primarily devoted to interpretation and analysis rather than just paraphrasing the story. Establishing the literal events should be done upfront but should not take more than one paragraph. Keep in mind this exercise is asking you to demonstrate your understanding of and ability to apply the ideas and techniques of reading that you are learning in the class. While you are welcome to consult outside sources, the point of the essay is for you to develop your own understanding of the story in terms that are relevant to the concerns of the class. Any ideas, facts, language, or other materials borrowed from outside sources have to be acknowledged precisely where they occur in the essay and in a list of Works Cited at the end of the essay. The list of Works Cited must contain at least the reference to the source of the text indicated below. Notice again that ideas, facts, and language gathered from any sources should not take up large portions of the essay. The bulk of the writing has to be your own analysis and reflection on the story, not the retelling of the literal events or reporting on the ideas of others.

Paper For Above instruction

The "Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor" is an ancient Egyptian narrative originating from the Middle Kingdom period, approximately during the 12th Dynasty around 1900 BCE. The story recounts the experience of a sailor who survives a shipwreck and encounters a formidable, divine serpent in the desert after being cast ashore. The literal account describes the sailor’s journey, his encounter with this immense creature, and the message he receives about the divine order and the cyclical nature of life and fate. The sailor, having lost his ship and companions, is stranded in the desert but is approached by the serpent, which reveals its divine nature and offers reassurances about the stability of the cosmic order, emphasizing themes of renewal and divine justice.

Beyond its literal narrative, the tale functions as an allegory emphasizing trust in the divine and acceptance of life's unpredictability. The serpent, portrayed as a divine figure, symbolizes the unpredictable and often incomprehensible forces of nature and the cosmos that oversee human fate. The story’s deeper implications suggest that human misfortune is intertwined with divine will, and understanding or accepting this can bring comfort and reassurance. The serpent's message encourages humility in the face of divine powers and promotes the idea that chaos is part of the greater divine plan, which is ultimately just and ordered. Such a perspective would have offered reassurance to ancient Egyptians, reinforcing their faith in Ma'at, the concept of divine order and balance fundamental to their worldview.

Furthermore, the tale aligns with Egyptian religious beliefs, emphasizing the importance of divine authority and cosmic harmony. The serpent’s role reinforces the idea that the universe is governed by divine forces that maintain balance and justice, even amid chaos. The story could be interpreted as a reflection on the fragility of human existence and the importance of humility and reverence towards divine and natural laws. It also underscores the resilience of the human spirit—the sailor's survival and the divine message exemplify hope and divine protection amidst adversity.

Analyzing the story on a symbolic level reveals its potential as a moral and spiritual lesson. The divine serpent’s reassurance highlights the importance of faith and patience when faced with life's uncertainties. It also encourages an understanding that human suffering and misfortune are part of a divine cycle, which, when accepted, can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the universe. The emphasis on divine order resonates with ancient Egyptian notions of Ma'at, illustrating that truth, balance, and justice are maintained through divine authority and that humans must align themselves with these principles.

In conclusion, the "Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor" is a profound narrative that combines literal storytelling with deeper allegorical and spiritual meanings. It reflects ancient Egyptian worldview, emphasizing divine sovereignty, cosmic order, and spiritual resilience. The story encourages trust in divine justice and promotes humility and reverence for natural and divine laws, providing both comfort and moral guidance. Its enduring relevance lies in its universal themes of adversity, faith, and the quest for understanding one’s place within the divine order, making it a timeless reflection on human existence and spiritual harmony.

References

• Lichtheim, Miriam. Ancient Egyptian Literature: A Book of Readings. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1973.
• Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2003.
• Pinch, Geraldine. Magic in Ancient Egypt. Harvard University Press, 2004.
• Hart, George. Ancient Egyptian Myths. University of Texas Press, 2005.
• Bennett, J. A. The Literature of Ancient Egypt. Edinburgh University Press, 1999.
• Nicholson, Paul. Reading Egyptian Sculpture. Princeton University Press, 1998.
• Shafer, Byron E. Religion and Philosophy in Ancient Egypt. Hämeenlinna: Kimmo, 2003.
• Assmann, Jan. The Mind of Egypt: History and Meaning in the Cultural Psychology of the Ancient World. Harvard University Press, 2003.
• Wilkinson, Richard H. Reading Egyptian Art: A Hieroglyphic Guide. Thames & Hudson, 1992.
• Kemp, Barry J. Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilizations. Routledge, 2006.