Genre
Ancient Egyptian text; poem; short story
Setting and Context
The tale is set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of King Senworset and was probably composed shortly after his reign ended around 1875 BC.
Narrator and Point of View
The narrator is Sinuhe; the point of view stays with Sinuhe.
Tone and Mood
The tone is biographical; the mood oscillates between one of fear, exultation, and pride.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Sinuhe is the protagonist; the main antagonist is the god who intervenes in Sinuhe's life via spontaneous actions and unexpected rewards.
Major Conflict
The major conflict in the story is that Sinuhe longs to return to Egypt despite the success he finds while living in self-imposed exile.
Climax
The story reaches its climax when the King of Egypt decrees that Sinuhe should return to Egypt to die a hero and nobleman.
