How to Mummify a Pharaoh

EPD

PHI 152

June 2015

1. 1. identify

2. use

3. state

4. explain

5. quote, identify and state

6. describe and explain

7. choose, copy out, state and write

8. choose and analyze

9. find and analyze

10. find and analyze

11. write and explain

12. find, highlight and name

13. find, highlight and name

2.

Title

• I expect disgusting stuffs because I am aware that mummification can be compared with embalming (modern preservation of body).

• Adventure lovers or movie lovers? (The Mummy). I think general public as well. Principal purpose should be to inform and to entertain maybe. I became more curious as I was reading the essay. Made me entertained on how thorough the process is.

Synopsis

• I must say the general subject is the title itself. The process of mummification.

• Goodheart used the step-by-step procedure to inform readers about the process. He gave concrete examples of results from unsuccessful attempts so readers can easily visualize thoughts.

Biography

• Goodheart is an American historian who studied American history and literature at Harvard University. He had written cultural, political, and historical topics.

• Has special interest in linking past and present in his writings.

• The essay was written May/ June 1995. He wrote it for a magazine (Civilization under “Lost Arts” column).

Content

• I would like to learn the process of mummification. I want to know the things to be used and the many things to consider making a perfect one.

• I really think this is a very interesting subject because only those who studies history related courses knew about this kind of weird but historic matter.

Reading

• At first I thought the whole process was as easy as playing a video game. You only need to press buttons and the character will do the work but then I was wrong. Mummification requires a detailed and deeper understanding of the process. Seriously, waiting for 42 days for the body to dry up really demands patience.

• I think the main idea of the essay is to clearly state the purpose why ancient Egyptians have to mummify pharaohs (they think a person’s spirit or ka will return for the body). And the importance of having the right ingredient, following the right steps in preservation of the body and labeling of the sarcophagi.

• Scarab- popular amulets in Ancient Egypt; dessicated- dried up thoroughly; pelted- attack repeatedly; resin- plant secretions

Rereading

• The author made it as simple and short so it won’t be that boring of a piece. I think Goodheart was able to inform and educate readers about the topic. I was left curious and wanting to learn more after reading it.

• Some people in the post Egyptian era disrespected the mummies by making use of it as a remedy, fertilizer, bandages, and I think a lot more.

• Yes, I think mummies are made for a reason and we should learn how to appreciate and respect things from the past.

3. Mummification

4. I believe the purpose is to make readers know something about the past, which is the ways on how to mummify a pharaoh. I based it on the content of the essay that includes the step-by-step procedure of mummification.

5. Explicit—“Ancient Egyptians believed that at death, a person’s spirit, or ka, was forcibly separated from the body. But it returned now and then for a visit, to snack on the food that had been left in the tomb. So mummification became a fine art, especially where royalty was concerned.” (paragraph 1)

6. The tone is personal because it uses the word “you” and informative. This tone made me more involve and curious about the essay. Making me want to know more about the process.

7. “All I know about Egypt is the pyramids and mummies from watching the movie.”

Topic: Egypt

Main Idea: How Egypt’s history influenced the world.

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