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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Abbas want to do while he's on holiday?
(a) Find a new job.
(b) Get married.
(c) Relax with his friends.
(d) Travel to the beach.

2. Why does Susu say it is an advantage that Hamida has never danced before?
(a) Hamida will be more obedient.
(b) Hamida will be more graceful.
(c) Susu can mold Hamida as he wishes.
(d) Hamida will be more difficult to teach.

3. Why is Kirsha offended at Ibrahim Farhat's offer to pay for his support?
(a) Kirsha is insulted at the thought that he could be bribed.
(b) Kirsha has more money than Ibrahim Farhat.
(c) Kirsha is loyal to the candidate without payment.
(d) Ibrahim Farhat paid other cafe owners more.

4. Why do Salim Alwan's sons object to his marrying again?
(a) They are afraid a new wife will neglect Salim Alwan.
(b) They are afraid a new wife will take all his money.
(c) They are afraid a new wife will tire Salim Alwan.
(d) They are afraid a new wife will upset their mother.

5. What is the one thought that weakens Hamida's determination to go with Ibrahim Faraj?
(a) She will never see Salim Alwan again.
(b) She will never see Abbas again.
(c) She will never see Umm Hamida again.
(d) She will never see Midaq Alley again.

6. What does Hamida believe the stranger means when he says, "I'm just the one to take you!"
(a) Sexual slavery.
(b) A business partnership.
(c) Marriage.
(d) A trip abroad.

7. What moment marks the dividing point between Hamida's two lives?
(a) When she cooks the lentils.
(b) When she packs her clothes.
(c) When she steps into the taxi with Ibrahim Faraj.
(d) When she walks away from Midaq Alley.

8. Why is Hussain Kirsha disappointed in Hitler?
(a) Hussain Kirsha hoped Hitler would come to Egypt.
(b) Hussain Kirsha hoped Hitler would conquer the world.
(c) Hussain Kirsha hoped Hitler would fight on indefinitely.
(d) Hussain Kirsha hoped Hitler would defeat Russia.

9. What does Susu say is life's most beautiful thing?
(a) A kind word.
(b) Hamida.
(c) A graceful dancer.
(d) A good meal.

10. How does Hamida blunder while the stranger is watching her?
(a) She runs from him.
(b) She lets him see that she is watching him.
(c) She speaks to him.
(d) She ignores him.

11. Why does Salim Alwan apologize to Sheikh Darwish?
(a) Salim Alwan is anxious to please Sheikh Darwish.
(b) Salim Alwan is genuinely humbled.
(c) A sick man should not anger one of God's holy men.
(d) Sheikh Darwish's howling is embarrassing.

12. What does Ibrahim Farhat do for a living?
(a) Ibrahim Farhat is an accountant.
(b) Ibrahim Farhat is a merchant.
(c) Ibrahim Farhat is an actor.
(d) Ibrahim Farhat is a professional politician.

13. What endeavor do Dr. Booshy and Zaita share?
(a) Grave robbing.
(b) Picking pockets.
(c) Burglary of homes.
(d) Extortion of beggars.

14. Why do the boys advise Uncle Kamil to put up a poster of Ibrahim Farhat, the candidate?
(a) Ibrahim Farhat is fond of sweets.
(b) Uncle Kamil would be wise to take his side.
(c) Ibrahim Farhat is the best candidate.
(d) If Farhat sees the poster, he will be all of Uncle Kamil's sweets.

15. How does Hamida feel about the stranger's constant attention?
(a) Thrilled and pleased.
(b) Fascinated and infuriated.
(c) Frightened and worried.
(d) Disinterested and bored.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the stranger say is the last thing new lovers learn about each other?

2. Why does Salim Alwan cling to his unpleasant life?

3. Why is Ibrahim Faraj, the stranger, so pleased when Hamida readily comes with him?

4. What part of Kirsha has suffered the worst damage from the heart attack?

5. Who does Hussain Kirsha blame for his failures?

(see the answer keys)

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