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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Hussain Kirsha hope Hitler will do?
(a) Surrender.
(b) Commit suicide.
(c) Fight for another twenty years.
(d) Retreat.

2. 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 is scandalized.
(d) He thinks it is amusing.

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

4. How does Zaita know the intimate details of the bakers' lives?
(a) He can hear their arguing through the wall.
(b) Husniya tells him everything.
(c) He spies through a hole in the wall.
(d) Jaada confides in him.

5. How does Zaita treat his clients?
(a) He is as fast and efficient as possible.
(b) He is as cruel and vicious as possible.
(c) He is as kind and patient as possible.
(d) He is as friendly and encouraging as possible.

6. What relation is Umm Hamida to Hamida?
(a) She was a wet nurse to the child.
(b) She is her foster mother.
(c) She is her aunt.
(d) She is secrety her mother.

7. What does Hamida feel for Abbas as they walk together?
(a) Intense attraction.
(b) Neither attraction nor aversion.
(c) Intense aversion.
(d) Deep curiosity.

8. Why is Umma Hamida pleased with Salim Alwan's offer?
(a) The marriage will be a professional success for her.
(b) The marriage will be a financial benefit to her.
(c) The marriage will make Hamida happy.
(d) The marriage will get Hamida out of her house.

9. Why does Mrs. Kirsha hesitate to confront Kirsha about his erotic adventures?
(a) She is afraid of his anger.
(b) She does not want her son to find out.
(c) She does not want to hurt his feelings.
(d) She does not want to provide scandal for the gossips.

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

11. Why does Hamida envy Jewish girls?
(a) They have boyfriends.
(b) They have nice clothes.
(c) They have jobs.
(d) They have automobiles.

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

13. How do the residents of the alley believe women should be treated?
(a) Like queens.
(b) Like harlots.
(c) Like children.
(d) Like goddesses.

14. What does Kirsha believe is replacing public recitations?
(a) Individual memorization.
(b) Musical performers.
(c) The radio.
(d) Television.

15. What does Kirsha mean when he says a "galman"?
(a) A neat, clean person.
(b) A gentleman.
(c) A Briton.
(d) A new type of hashish.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many children does Salim Alwan have?

2. Why is Uncle Kamil unafraid of dying?

3. Why were Zaita's parents happy when he was born?

4. How long has the poet been reciting in Kirsha's cafe?

5. How does the boy respond to Kirsha's invitation to come to his cafe?

(see the answer keys)

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