What are the motifs in The Egyptologist by Arthur Phillips?

Immortality is a recurrent idea in the story. A common motivation for people is the desire for immortality. Most, if not all, religions try to meet this desire. Ralph seeks immortality through fame by striving to become a great Egyptologist and thereby earn his place in history. Barnabas Davies wants his name carried on by as many of his illegitimate children as can be found. Ferrell wants his investigations published, which brings up the question of whether some people deserve immortality.