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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Sanker disrespect the old poet?
(a) He closes the door in his face.
(b) He demands that he leave the restaurant.
(c) He ignores his order for coffee.
(d) He calls him names.

2. Why were Zaita's parents happy when he was born?
(a) They no longer had to rent a baby to beg with.
(b) His laughter delighted them.
(c) His beauty delighted them.
(d) They were proud to have a son.

3. What does Radwan Hussainy pray for when he learns of Mrs. Kirsha's trouble?
(a) Radwan Hussainy prays that his own soul will be free of wickness.
(b) Radwan Hussainy prays that he will be able to help.
(c) Radwan Hussainy prays that Kirsha will overcome his weakness.
(d) Radwan Hussainy prays that Mrs. Kirsha will forgive her husband.

4. What does Hamida believe is the key to the entire world?
(a) True love.
(b) Money.
(c) Good looks.
(d) Reliable friends.

5. What effect has personal sorrow had on Radwan Hussainy?
(a) It has made him loving and patient.
(b) It has made him pessimistic and fearful.
(c) It has made him cruel and unforgiving.
(d) It has made him sorrowful and despairing.

6. When does Zaita begin work?
(a) At sunup.
(b) At sundown.
(c) At midnight.
(d) At noon.

7. Why does Hamida accept attention from Abbas?
(a) Hamida is falling in love with Abbas.
(b) Abbas is a wealthy barber.
(c) Abbas is very handsome.
(d) Abbas is the only suitable young man in the alley.

8. What trick does Abbas play on Uncle Kamil?
(a) Abbas convinces Uncle Kamil that he will live much longer.
(b) Abbas convinces Uncle Kamil that he has bought him a nice shroud.
(c) Abbas convinces Uncle Kamil that he will never die.
(d) Abbas convinces Uncle Kamil that he will pay for his burial.

9. What do his jealous friends call Hussain Kirsha?
(a) Hussain Kirsha the Large.
(b) Hussain Kirsha the Garage.
(c) Hussain Kirsha the Fox.
(d) Hussain Kirsha the Ladykiller.

10. Why do the residents of the alley think they've been suffering during the war?
(a) Due to their own wickedness.
(b) Due to the malice of the gods.
(c) Due to random chance.
(d) Due to the wickedness of the British.

11. Was is Radwan Hussainy an unusual landlord?
(a) He raises the rent only once every five years.
(b) He ignored a military edict to raise rent.
(c) He lets his tenants live rent-free.
(d) He raises the rent only once a year.

12. How does Hussain Kirsha feel about his father's erotic adventures?
(a) He does not want to be the object of gossip and jokes.
(b) He is deeply ashamed.
(c) He thinks it is amusing.
(d) He is scandalized.

13. What does Mrs. Afify suspect is causing Umm Hamida to delay in finding her a husband?
(a) Umm Hamida can't find a suitable man.
(b) Umm Hamida is taking the best man for herself.
(c) Umm Hamida wants more money than they agreed upon.
(d) Umm Hamida is distracted by Hamida's engagement.

14. What does Mrs. Afify want from Umm Hamida?
(a) Fortunetelling.
(b) A husband.
(c) A love potion.
(d) More rent.

15. How long has the poet been reciting in Kirsha's cafe?
(a) Two weeks.
(b) Twenty years.
(c) All evening.
(d) Two years.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Kirsha openly invite the boy to the cafe in front of everyone?

2. What does Hamida feel for Abbas as they walk together?

3. What does Kirsha mean when he says a "galman"?

4. What is Mrs. Kirsha's personality when she visits Radwan Hussainy?

5. What does Abbas say that falling in love has done for him?

(see the answer keys)

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