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AMDG
Sophomore Summer Reading: Scripture Pharaoh’s Daughter, by Julius Lester This study guide is meant to help you as you read Pharaoh’s Daughter, a novel by Julius Lester which explores the story of Moses through imagination and fiction. The following suggestions will help you to better engage the story and prepare for our conversations about the book in class next semester.
1. Begin by reading the Book of Exodus, chapters 1 & 2. This is the biblical material that the author uses as the basis for his fictional story. If you do not have a bible at home, you can find one in any library, or you can follow the following link to read the material on-line: http://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Exodus+1-2&vnum=yes&version=nrsvae2. Next read the “Author’s Note” on pages 167-173. This describes the author’s method and intent in writing Pharaoh’s Daughter. It will be helpful to read this before reading the story. 3. Finally, read the story, including the Introduction. At the beginning of the major sections of the novel, pay attention to the dates. Some of the story will be told in flashback.
As you read, please reflect on the following questions. You should bring your written reflections with you to Scripture class at the beginning of the semester. 1. Towards the end of the story, Mosis is confused and afraid because of all that has transpired. “I hadn’t planned on any of this,” he exclaims. Ima responds, “No, but Ya did.” Much of this story explores how Ya (the God of the Habiru) is at work in human history, leading people in and through the circumstances of their lives. What are three examples where Ya might be influencing human history through the events of the story? 2. In Exodus 2:11-15 Moses murders an Egyptian. Compare the murder described in Scripture to the murder account in Pharaoh’s Daughter. How are they similar? How are they different? In your opinion, is Lester’s story faithful to Scripture? If you were Mosis, what would you have done when Kakemour insisted that you whip Aharon? 3. Mosis finds himself trapped between two cultures, the Habiru and the Khemetian. As the story progresses, Mosis realizes that at some point he will have to choose between the cultures and between their Gods – a choice he would prefer not to make. If you were Mosis, how would you respond? What choice would you make?
The following might help you as you read Pharaoh’s Daughter:
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