83 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Lotus, the Ancient’s patient, hard-working donkey, represents independence to Ranofer. Lotus hauls the Ancient’s papyrus stalks to the sailmakers who pay the Ancient for them. Because of Lotus, the Ancient is essentially self-employed. Lotus allows the Ancient to be self-sufficient and not subservient to a shop master. While the Ancient does not necessarily recommend his lifestyle, he is content. Ranofer seizes on the Ancient’s situation as a solution to his dependency on Gebu. If Ranofer had a donkey, he could work like the Ancient and still apprentice to Zau. He even gathers the courage to share this plan with Gebu and ask him for a donkey, only to be met with derisive laughter. Ranofer maintains hope in his dream and asks Queen Tiy for a donkey as his reward. The fact that he asks for a donkey, rather than the riches that he briefly considers and dismisses, shows his strong work ethic and desire to be his own person. The “veritable pharaoh of a donkey” (248) the queen gifts him ensures Ranofer’s autonomy.
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features: