The Golden Goblet

Lotus, the Ancient’s patient, hard-working donkey, represents independence to Ranofer. Lotus hauls the Ancient’s papyrus stalks to the sailmakers who pay the Ancient for them. Because of Lotus, the Ancient is essentially self-employed. Lotus allows the Ancient to be self-sufficient and not subservient to a shop master. While the Ancient does not necessarily recommend his lifestyle, he is content. Ranofer seizes on the Ancient’s situation as a solution to his dependency on Gebu. If Ranofer had a donkey, he could work like the Ancient and still apprentice to Zau. He even gathers the courage to share this plan with Gebu and ask him for a donkey, only to be met with derisive laughter. Ranofer maintains hope in his dream and asks Queen Tiy for a donkey as his reward. The fact that he asks for a donkey, rather than the riches that he briefly considers and dismisses, shows his strong work ethic and desire to be his own person. The “veritable pharaoh of a donkey” (248) the queen gifts him ensures Ranofer’s autonomy.