The Eloquent Peasant

by Loren R. Fisher

Four thousand years ago, Egyptian society struggled with the downfall of the Old Kingdom, which brought an end to material success and introduced anarchy and chaos. Out of this period of crisis came such literature as A Dialogue between a Man and His Ba, Instructions to Meri-ka-Re, as well as the story recounted in this volume, The Eloquent Peasant. In this story, Khun-Anup, a poor peasant, was robbed, beaten, and scorned by Nemtinakht, who was well connected. Khun-Anup appealed to authorities for redress but had to make his appeals nine times. This compelling narrative recounts the peasant's struggle for justice. Fisher's fresh translation with notes provides an engaging entry to a story that has contemporary implications.

Genres: Classics

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1851

Reviews

[lavender ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

we love ma'at

[Arizonagirl]

I listened to a couple of versions of this ancient Egyptian tale that I found online and listened to the description on the Literature and History podcast. It tells the tale of a peasant who has his donkey stolen by the overseer of a rich man's estate. The peasant goes on to plead his case how unfair it is for the rich to steal from the poor. The Pharoah is so taken by the eloquence of the peasant's appeal, he rules in the peasant's favor and declares that all of the overseer's property be given to the peasant.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite stories from BCE. I read a long time ago that it was probably one of the first pieces of government propaganda. After reading it, I believe that is true.

The story kept my interest and the fact it has survived so long is a wonder.

I read the free version written by Paul Halsall Jan 1999. https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancie...

[Michael Skora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this a bit more than "The Tale of Sinuhe." I'm guessing it's because I find stories about the nature of power and just authority more compelling? After all, political philosophy has long been one of my deepest fascinations. Who knows, maybe I'll choose to read Thomas Hobbes's "The Leviathan" in its entirety down the line.

[Misha Coffey-Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do for the doer to cause him to do” and “do for the one who does for you” comprise, indeed, the whole of the Law. Glad to see Ma’at stays winning.

[voiduser · Rating 2 out of 5]

ancient egyptian equivalent of "let them eat cake"