Miriam, a central figure in "The Prince of Egypt," embodies unwavering faith and emotional resilience. As the older sister of Moses and Aaron, she plays a crucial role in guiding her people through hardship and inspiring hope in their deliverance.
Miriam's Early Life and Faith
Miriam is first seen as a child in the prologue, where she, Aaron, and their mother Yocheved send their infant brother Moses down the river in a basket to prevent him from being killed by Pharaoh Seti I's soldiers. She witnesses the basket's near-destruction and her brother being adopted by the Queen of Egypt Tuya, who names him Moses.
Miriam's spirituality is a defining characteristic. It is her faithfulness that buoys everyone around her and carries them through hard times into their deliverance. She believes in God and in Moses as the Deliverer and never wavers in her faith in both.
Reunion with Moses
Years later, an adult Miriam and Aaron are getting water when Tzipporah appears and begs for water for her long journey. Miriam gives her water saying "may God protect you" and watches her go. When Moses appears, she blocks his view of Tzipporah and tries to reveal to him that they are his siblings, though Aaron tries to excuse her as sick and mentally ill. Moses having no clue what she's talking about, slowly starts to get mad at her. Miriam tells Moses that his real mother is Yocheved who saved him when he was a baby.
When Moses asks her whom Yocheved saved him from, Miriam tells him to ask the man he calls "Father". Enraged, Moses flings her to the ground stating that she'll "regret this night." Miriam then sings Yocheved's lullaby, a song that Moses remembers but can't place.
Read also: Exploring The Prince of Egypt's Impact
When Miriam encounters Moses in adulthood, she immediately recognizes him as her brother, even though she last saw him as a baby. She jogs Moses’ memory of his true identity with her own memories. “You were born of our mother Yocheved!” she cries, trying to connect him to the details of his past.
Role as a Comforter and Inspirer
A few years later when Moses returns to Egypt, Miriam interrupts Aaron's rant at Moses and welcomes Moses back, forgiving her brother for his previous "cruelty". She tells him that she still believes he will set them free, and this speech is what gives Moses the courage to keep confronting Ramses II (Moses' adoptive brother and the new Pharoah) on behalf of his people.
Miriam watches the ensuing plagues in devastation and keeps Moses in her house when the last plague comes. She is the main comforter to Moses as he is devastated with the death of his adoptive nephew.
Miriam is a kind, beautiful, and brave young woman who, like her brother Moses, tries to help her fellow slaves and escape the cruelty from the Egyptians. Her kind words and her forgiving nature often lift Moses out of his despair and inspire him to keep his mission going.
As a Feeler-dominant like Miriam, extended logical analyses of a situation could bring her to a halt. She needs quick access to her emotions in order to defend her fellow slaves and inspire hope in her people.
Read also: "When You Believe" analysis
The Exodus and "When You Believe"
During that song, Miriam leaves Egypt with the Hebrews, appearing to have become close friends with Tzipporah. The Egyptians arrive to kill them, but Moses splits the Red Sea so the Hebrews can walk across; Ramses' pursing soldiers are drowned when God merges the divided waters.
The Prince of Egypt (1998) - When You Believe Scene (8/10) | Movieclips
On the far side of the sea, Moses pulls Miriam aside and embraces her, thanking her for the unshakeable faith that she has had in him and his mission. And it is Miriam alone who notices Moses mourning Rameses, who is presumed to have died in the closing of the sea.
Miriam’s Extraverted Feeling is crucial for making the emotional transition from the end of the plagues to the Hebrews’ triumphant march out of Egypt. Miriam begins her song “When You Believe” by acknowledging the grief everyone’s feeling, and gradually building up to a joyful response to the deliverance they’ve all been waiting for.
Miriam faces her terrible existence with steady optimism and hope, which tends to catch on with those around her. She’s an emotional rallying point for her people, and lifts Moses’ spirits when he’s low.
Miriam's Character Traits
- Devout: Unwavering faith in God and Moses.
- Optimistic: Faces hardship with hope.
- Loving: Deeply cares for her family and people.
- Brave: Stands up for what she believes in.
- Forgiving: Welcomes Moses back despite past hurts.
Comparison of Miriam's Traits
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Faithfulness | Believes in God and Moses without wavering. |
| Optimism | Maintains hope even in the darkest times. |
| Courage | Speaks out against injustice despite the risks. |
| Empathy | Understands and shares the feelings of others, especially Moses. |
Miriam’s character is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of emotional support in times of adversity. Her role in "The Prince of Egypt" highlights her as a vital figure in the story of the Exodus.
Read also: "The Prince of Egypt" Streaming Guide
Popular articles:
tags: #Egypt
