Aida

Aida is an opera written by Guiseppe Verdi. An Opera is somewhat like a play in that it takes place on a stage in a theater. An Opera is different, however, because the players sing their lines instead of speaking them.

The Genre of our story, based on the opera, is Historical Fiction. The story takes place in the distant or recent past. The includes events or problems from that time. The characters act the way people of that time would have acted. The characters may include real people, and the plot may include actual historical events.

Background Egypt Ethiopia Many years ago, Ethiopia was at war with Egypt. Seized by Egyptian Soldiers, Princess Aida of Ethiopia is chosen the Pharaoh to become a handmaiden to his daughter, Princess Amneris. Radames, the handsome young captain of the Egyptian army falls in love with Aida.

After a great victory, Radames is given Aida’s hand in marriage. He requests freedom for the prisoners. On the eve of the marriage, Aida asks Radames to come to Ethiopia with her. Princess Ameneris overhears and accuses Radames of being a traitor.

Will Radames and Aida be killed? Will Radames, Aida, and King Amonasro (her father) escape to Ethiopia ?

beseech To ask (someone) earnestly The poor man beseeched the ruler to forgive him.

bestowed To present as a gift or honor,give, to confer Queen Elizabeth of England bestowed an honorary knighthood on Bill Gates.

vanity Too much concern with or pride in one’s appearance, abilities, deed or life. Conceited. She had so much vanity that she couldn’t pass a mirror without admiring herself.

tribunal A court of justice The judges of the tribunal took their seats in the courtroom.

handmaiden A female servant or personal slave The princess is waited on by her handmaiden