The Golden Goblet

Infobox Book
name = The Golden Goblet


author = Eloise Jarvis McGraw
cover_artist =
genre = Children's book, Historical Fiction
publisher = Coward McCann
pub_date = 1961
pages = 256
isbn = 0140303359

"The Golden Goblet" is a children's historical novel by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. It was first published in 1961 and received a Newbery Honor award in 1962. The novel is set in set in ancient Egypt around 1400 B.C. It tells the story of a young Egyptian boy named Ranofer who struggles to reveal a hideous crime and reshape his destiny.

Plot summary

Ranofer is a porter at a goldsmith's shop, but has learned much about gold working despite his position. When the tallies of gold sweepings and other chores don't add up , he tries to figure out why. He discovers a plot between Gebu, his older, abusive half-brother who beats him every night almost, and Ibni, a Babylonian, to steal gold. Eventually, he figures out that Ibni is smuggling gold to --Ranofer wanted to live life like the Ancient, who cut papyrus for the sailmakers. Eventually, he "reshapes his life into a new form" and goes to Zau for goldsmith training. He finally accomplishes his dream to become a papyrus cutter just like his friend the Ancient.

Characters in "The Golden Goblet"

*Ranofer - a young boy whose father has died and is now in the care of his evil half-brother, Gebu.
*Gebu - a stonecutter by trade, who tries to rob the tomb of Huaa and Tuaa, the queen's parents and mean half-brother of Ranofer.
*Heqet - an apprentice goldsmith who befriends Ranofer and 'The Ancient'.
*The Ancient - a very old man who owns a donkey, 'Lotus Blossom', and cuts papyrus for a modest living, he lives on the edge of the desert in the house he made out of bricks. He has one blind eye and has a physical ailment of hobbling.
*Thutra - Ranofer's father; a deceased goldsmith and a friend of Zau.
*Rekh - a local goldsmith.
*Zau - a master goldsmith who works in the palace making ornaments and teaching students.
*Ibni - a Babylonian who helps Gebu steal from Rekh's goldshop.
*Setma - a Nile boat captain, and friend of Gebu.
*Wenamon - a mason and Gebu's friend.
*Pai - The Stone Cutter's foreman
*Tiy - The Queen.
*Zahotep - a craftsmen.

References

"The Golden Goblet" is cited in:
*"Teaching Through Texts: Promoting Literacy Through Popular and Literary Texts in the Primary Classroom" by Holly Anderson
*"100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style" by Cathy Duffyh