Book 2, The House of Life Summary

Ammon's priests control higher education in Thebes, and boys must qualify for the lowest grade of priesthood before entering the House of Life. Because he is assisting in his father's practice, this takes Sinuhe two years. He remains aloof from classmates and mistrustful of priests, fritters his time copying texts, and grows rebellious and depressed. Sinuhe takes initiation seriously, though fighting unbelief, and fights to remain undefiled when lovely Nefernefernefer with green eyes entices, frightens, and enamors him. Weak from fasting Sinuhe keeps vigil while classmates carouse. In the morning, he alone has no story of how Ammon reveals himself. For this, he is mocked, and to graduate has to pretend to hear Ammon's voice. Sinuhe is shocked by impiety and unhappy when he is anointed and enrolled in the Book of Life.

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