The structure of The Egypt Game reflects Snyder's thematic emphasis on the encroachment of the adult world upon childhood. The book begins with what seems to be the opening sentence of a fairy-tale, "Not long ago ..."

Yet in the tradition of Hans Christian Andersen, the fairy-tale opening has dark overtones and quickly becomes an introduction to a strange man who spies on the little girls playing in his yard and who has aroused the fear and distrust of his neighbors. Hence, although the novel is seemingly about children, for children, the adult world imposes its viewpoint from the beginning of the story, in keeping with Snyder's theme.

The first chapter focuses exclusively on the perceptions and opinions of adults, from the Professor to the neighbors. The reader's first glimpse of childhood in the story comes from the eyes of the mysterious, unnamed Professor. Only after Snyder...