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Another way the author creates a reverent tone towards Aten is by using imagery. One example comes from the quote, “When thou set in the Western horizon, the earth is darkness after the manner of death” (Lichtheim 44). In this case, the western horizon must be sunset, as it becomes dark after the sun sets. Although Aten is not directly referred to as the sun , it can be assumed that he is considering the sun is the only thing that sets over a whole region and is followed by darkness. The words “darkness” and “death” create a picture of a very dark and frightening place, which makes Aten seem like the protector of the land (Egypt), therefore conveying him in a reverent manner. Another line that evokes a reverent tone says, “The earth brightens when thou arisest in the Eastern horizon… [The two lands] awake and stand upon their feet for thou hast raised them up. They wash their limbs, they put on raiment and raise their arms in adoration” (Lichtheim 44). The image of people “raising their arms in adoration” and “earth brightening” shows that Aten is widely admired by many people, and that he, again, protects Egypt from the night. The third quote especially conveys a reverent tone, as it shows how he benefits the people of Egypt. By saying, “Thy beams nourish every field and when thou shineth they live and grow for thee,” (Lichtheim 46) the reader can visualize the beams of the sun on a field, and because the beams come from Aten, he is seen as helpful to Egypt, as he is the reason they can grow food. Of the many displays of imagery in the poem, the three mentioned were particularly helpful in conveying a reverent tone towards Aten.
By using strong language and imagery, the goal of the author, which seems to be making Aten seem good, is achieved. Simple things such as sunrise and sunset were used to Akhenaten’s advantage as he used them to create mental pictures of the good and bad that the Egypt had with and without the sun. As for language, the author used words with positive connotations to give a different perspective of good and bad, such as the darkness and death associated with night. Altogether, the use of figurative language in this poem did a good job of displaying the emotions of Akhenaten, and made his message seem more sincere and meaningful.