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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. What concern does Sheikh Muhammad 'Abdu have about the future of Palestine?

2. What does Layla feel has dominated the lives of her family members?

3. How is "little Sharif" related to Amal?

4. Which official is al-Wardani accused of murdering?

5. What physical ailment sometimes prevents Sheikh 'Isa from working?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tareq offer to help Amal in Chapter 21?

2. According to Layla, what has been the net result of the political strife in Egypt?

3. How does the Zionist movement affect the Egyptian characters in the book?

4. Why is Sharif offended by the carriage driver in Chapter 23?

5. Why does Anna decide to remain in Egypt?

6. What atrocity begins with the death of a few pigeons?

7. How does Tareq help Amal and the fellaheen in Chapter 26?

8. How does the "Entente cordiale" affect Sharif?

9. Why does Amal long to be with Anna after the bombing at the Mugama' Building?

10. Why does Anna's wedding take three days to finalize?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Anna and Amal. What aspects of Anna are evident in Amal before she reads the journals? How does Amal's research into Anna's life affect her character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the effect colonialism had on Egypt in the early 20th century. Which characters in the novel are proponents of colonialism, and why? Which characters are opponents of colonialism, and why? How do Sharif and Anna attempt to end the British occupation and what is the result of their efforts?

Essay Topic 3

How is history blended with fiction in the novel? Which characters and events are fictional and which are historical? How does Soueif use historical events to motivate the fictional characters?

(see the answer keys)

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