The Prince Of Egypt Analysis

The animated film, The Prince of Egypt, illustrates the epic nature of the biblical book of “Exodus.” A production by DreamWorks, it was released to theaters in 1998. It entails the life of a Hebrew baby boy named Moses, who is born into slavery. However, his life entails one of prestige, and privilege. Ironically, the Egyptian Pharaoh called Rameses, an enemy of the Hebrews, and subsequent reason for their enslavement, raises Moses. While there are indeed inaccuracies within the storyline, when compared to the book of “Exodus,” it does display historical significance, for that era in time.

The beginning of the movie shows the dramatic use of slaves, the Israelites according to biblical text. As they struggle to build a massive assortment of monuments, the Pharaoh called Ramses abuses them mercilessly. The technology of the time clearly shows the work force that was needed to build these gigantic structures. In addition, the giant head of The Great Sphinx is clearly seen in the background, its colossal image rising above the workers. Although, archeologists do not credit the construction to Ramses ll. However, the opening scene depicts historical significance, as Ramses ll was well known for erecting more monuments than any other ancient

Pharaoh. From here, the movie escalates in violence.
The current ruler, Ramses ll, has demanded the slaughter of young innocents. According to scripture, soldiers were ordered to kill the baby boys in every Hebrew family, similar to Herod's slaying of infants, around the birth of Jesus. It is important to notice that Biblical
Historians and archaeologists continue to debate who actually ruled during this period. Yet, this is how the biblical life of a Hebrew child named Moses begins. His mother, Amram, hides him within a hand woven basket among the reeds of the Nile River, an attempt to save his life; the river an accurate depiction of Egypt’s geographic area, and symbol of life. Ultimately, the Pharaoh's wife discovers Moses, and raises him as an Egyptian prince. From an historical viewpoint, this scenario is rather perplexing. Royals of that era were known to engage in incest, by marriage, to protect their bloodline. Absorbing a commoner into a royal family is not well established, to associate with an enemy or slave, seems improbable. From this point, the film becomes more fun filled, and engaging.
Moses and his Egyptian brother are seen racing throughout the kingdom, in chariots: a nice historical reference, showing the technology that existed for this era.

Following this, lessons regarding proper behavior are enforced for the brothers. However, this again is short lived, as Moses soon learns his true heritage. Subsequently, he flees his upbringing, and seeks solace in the desert, with a nomadic tribe that raises sheep, a lifestyle not uncommon for this era. The remainder of the film becomes very biblical: entailing the burning bush, Moses return to Egypt to try and free the Hebrew people, the subsequent plagues that finally result in their release, and the parting of the Red Sea. All incidents relayed in the

Bible.
Admittedly, scholars, historians, and religious briefs may debate over the biblical story concerning Moses. Most notably, historical resources are extremely limited, which makes for a one-dimensional perspective. Yet, archeological digs clearly depict the lifestyle, and enormous feats accomplished by the Egyptians. In conclusion, the prince of Egypt depicts the grandeur of a kingdom that was unequivocally built by the Pharaoh Rameses ll, along with the lifestyle and
technological advancements for that era. What's more, the film is a wonderful biblical lesson about one's entrustment to his or hers religious faith.