The Golden Goblet

Ranofer, son of Thutra, is proud of his lineage and always introduces himself as the gold artist’s son. He loves crafting objects out of gold and wants nothing more than to be a goldsmith like his respected father. Ranofer strives to emulate Thutra in several ways, from his skilled goldwork to his sterling ethics. Following Thutra’s death, however, Ranofer has little more than memories, pride, and dreams to sustain him. Since living with his emotionally and physically abusive half-brother, he has grown thin and malnourished; his shenti is old and worn. Although Ranofer stoically endures Gebu’s belittling put-downs and brutal beatings, he feels humiliated and ashamed.

Ranofer keeps his thoughts and feelings to himself. He has no friends and keeps people at arm’s length to prevent them from asking hurtful questions. Although staying in his “shell like a tortoise” (107), as Heqet calls it, protects Ranofer, it also isolates him. He resents peoples’ pity and does not like to appear weak. This pride sometimes gets in the way of his relationship with others, like Heqet, who observes in frustration that Ranofer “has more pride than Pharaoh” (113). Ranofer's pride is both an asset and a flaw: His pride in Thutra, his heritage, and his skill sustain Ranofer in the face of abuse, but it also causes him to push others away.