Monday, September 12, 2016
PDP1 - Instructions in Letter Writing by an Egyptian Scribe
PDP1 - Instructions in Letter Writing by an Egyptian Scribe
Author Biography: The author of this PDP is anonymous, but they explain how important it was to be an Egyptian scribe. They say that this was the key way to record and date their thoughts or important events.
Date/Context: This document helps us understand the lives of men with all different types of professions in Egypt and Syria, and how each job had their own area of importance to the community. They allow us to understand the way of life of many men living during this time, and how praised the job of being a scribe was.
Summary: Egyptians developed a system of writing because of the abundant amount of marsh grass surrounding them and the easy and cheap ability to turn the papyrus into paper. The process of becoming an Egyptian Scribe required enormous amounts of teaching, and only chosen men could become one. The PDP shows a letter a teacher to a student, encouraging him to become a scribe. The letter goes through an array of different professions that men can pursue in Egypt, and the teacher urges the student to forget about these profession to become a scribe. The letter explains the hardships of the jobs listed, including the idea that merchant loose all of their profit to tax collectors, and how the washer is constantly tired and worn out. The teacher further states every couple of paragraphs or so: "Become a Scribe". The teacher says how every other professions will lead to an unrewarding life and being a scribe will fill the student with joy.
Key Quotation: The one quote I chose is: "Every man seeks to raise himself up. Take note of it!"
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In this article, the "identifying characteristics" are included at the beginning where the author is stated as "anonymous". The date of the article is written as 1200 B.C.E and has the phrase "surging papyri" which shows that the majority of this article was most likely written hundreds of years ago during the ancient Egyptian era. Also, the beginning gives a brief summary of what this article is about. Kiana's summary was an excellent summary because of how it explains the hardships of other professions such as merchants and washers and explains just how hard and demanding of jobs they can be. She also explains the discussion between the student and teacher and talks about the reason this discussion is happening (to push the student to become a scribe), which she explains really well. The major point she misses in her explanation is the positive things that come with being a scribe. She only says that the student will be "filled with joy" but she does not explain the certain details and advantages, which include feasts, horses, boats and fine clothes. Other than that point, Kiana gives an adequate summary and properly explains why someone should become a scribe rather than pursue another profession. Also, her quote adequately describes the teachers tone to the student, which is pushing and persuading him to become a scribe.
ReplyDeleteIt is also important to note that this document is from Ancient Egypt, one of the early civilizations in the West.
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