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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Mansour "dismiss" in his mind Amer and Tolba?

2. Who is Ali Bakir's lover?

3. What does Sarhan say he and Zohra have in common?

4. What happens when Sarhan complains about his life to his friends?

5. How long has it been since Mansour has seen Fawzi before now?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mansour react to Sarhan's announcement that he intends to marry Aleya?

2. When does Sarhan first see Zohra and what does he do?

3. What are Mansour's first impressions of Zohra?

4. Describe the fight with Safeya, Zohra and Sarhan from Sarhan's perspective.

5. What is Mansour's further impression of Zohra and how does he feel towards her?

6. Describe Sarhan's encounter with Tolba on the street.

7. What are Mansour's first impressions of some of the boarders at the Miramar?

8. Why does Doreya say Mansour is four years too late and what is his response?

9. What does Mansour impulsively do when he meets Doreya at the zoo?

10. What are Ali and Sarhan's plans to gain money?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and sometimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Miramar" is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 2

"Miramar" ends on an unhappy or seemingly morbid note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Miramar" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Miramar" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the theme of choice in "Miramar". Who makes wise choices? Who makes unwise choices? Do you think Sarhan believes more in fate or free will? Why?

2. Debate the following statement in an argument/persuasion essay: Making several poor choices one after the other makes it more likely one will continue to make poor choices.

3. Rewrite the ending with Sarhan making what you think would be a wiser choice and then discuss why you believe it would be a better choice.

(see the answer keys)

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