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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 is Marwan's brother's name?

2. Where does Assad stay in Basra?

3. In "The Land of Sad Oranges," what is the father's mood like immediately after the move?

4. Why does Abu Qais feel insignificant?

5. In "If You Were a Horse," what does this object that the son finds contain?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Abul Khaizarun delayed when he passes through customs?

2. What is ironic about the conversation Abul Khaizarun has with a man in the customs office?

3. What does the narrator's confusion about the father's money infer in "The Land of Sad Oranges"?

4. Who are the antagonists in "The Land of Sad Oranges," and why?

5. In "If You Were a Horse," how is the father's battle over the superstition similar to the battle with his son?

6. Why does the father resent Abu Muhammad?

7. In "The Land of Sad Oranges," why does the father come up with the murderous idea?

8. In "If You Were a Horse," why is the son's belief that his father hates him and horses ironic?

9. What does a reddish mole predict, according to superstition?

10. What is ironic about Abul Khaizarun confirming the bad reputation of smugglers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is a device used in many literary pieces, including "A Hand in the Grave." What ideas or people most readily serve as symbols in the story? What symbols do you find surprising? Which symbol is the strongest? Remember to answer each question with evidence from the story.

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing is one of the tools used in "Men in the Sun." How does foreshadowing play a role in this story? What happens in the end that fulfills the foreshadowing? Remember to answer each question with evidence and specific examples of instances of foreshadowing in the story.

Essay Topic 3

In "A Hand in the Grave," Nabil and his father may share the same blood, but they are very different, and often fight. How does the father see his son? How does Nabil see the father? How would you describe their relationship in general? Remember to answer each question with evidence from the story.

(see the answer keys)

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