The Golden Goblet

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Ranofer becomes increasingly withdrawn because of Gebu’s abuse, but he still manages to find significant role models in his life.

• Who are Ranofer’s role models, and why are they important? (topic sentence)
• Describe Ranofer’s role models in the novel, explain why he looks up to each one, then explain how these role models influence his character.
• In your concluding sentences, explain why you think the author chose to provide Ranofer with role models. What might Ranofer’s life be like if he didn’t have them?

2. In the novel, Ranofer is often abused by his half-brother, Gebu.

• What different forms of abuse does Ranofer experience at Gebu’s hands? (topic sentence)
• Explain how Gebu abuses Ranofer both physically and emotionally, then explain how Ranofer is able to overcome his brother’s abuse.
• In your concluding sentences, explain whether you think Ranofer might have any regrets about exposing his brother’s crimes, given the harsh punishments for tomb-robbing in ancient Egypt.

3. Ranofer does not have any friends until he meets Heqet.

• What are the values and potential pitfalls of Heqet and Ranofer’s friendship? (topic sentence)
• Describe how Ranofer and Heqet’s friendship is good for both of them and how, at times, the friendship can be rocky. Then explain whether you believe their friendship is mostly good or not.
• In your concluding sentences, explain whether you believe the friendship of Ranofer and Heqet is one between two equals and your rationale for believing so.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Ranofer discovers that Doing the Right Thing can be very difficult. What are some of the challenges Ranofer faces in the novel? How does he overcome them? In what ways does Ranofer display courage? How does Ranofer demonstrate perseverance, and why is it important?

2. Discuss the importance of art and beauty in the novel. What are their effects on Ranofer? Compare and contrast Ranofer’s attitudes toward goldsmithing and stonecutting. Why do you think Ranofer prefers goldsmithing? What influence might Ranofer’s father have had on his desire to goldsmith? How do Ranofer’s emotions change when he is goldsmithing?