Final answer:
The primary theme of the Book of the Dead is the afterlife and the soul's journey to achieve eternal life, highlighted by the Weighing of the Heart and the widespread inclusion of shabtis in tombs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main theme of the Book of the Dead is death and the afterlife, specifically in ancient Egyptian religion. The text provides instructions, spells, and rituals to guide the deceased through the journey of the afterlife and ensure a successful transition to the realm of the gods.
For example, the Book of the Dead includes spells and incantations to protect the deceased's soul from evil spirits, navigate the underworld, and appease various gods and goddesses. It also emphasizes the importance of moral behavior and ethical conduct in order to gain favor with the gods and achieve a positive afterlife outcome.
The evidence from the text includes depictions of deities, such as Osiris, and references to the souls of the deceased being judged by the gods based on their earthly actions. The spells and rituals outlined in the Book of the Dead were meant to ensure a favorable judgment and eternal life for the deceased.