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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are Kirsha's real feelings about Hussain Kirsha's return home?
(a) He is amused by his son's return and surprised at his marriage.
(b) He is pleased at his son's return and delighted with his marriage.
(c) He is furious at his son's return and appalled at his marriage.
(d) He is disinterested in his son's return and unconcerned by his marriage.

2. How does Hussain Kirsha think Egypt is different from the rest of the world?
(a) A war for others is good fortune for Egypt.
(b) Egyptians are richer than others.
(c) Egyptian history is a treasure for others.
(d) Egyptians are wiser than others.

3. What part of Kirsha has suffered the worst damage from the heart attack?
(a) His respiratory system.
(b) His nervous system.
(c) His digestive system.
(d) His circulatory system.

4. How does Hamida see the choice Ibrahim Faraj offers her?
(a) A dull past or an exciting future.
(b) Virtue and vice.
(c) Solitude or marriage.
(d) Innocence and crime.

5. Why is Uncle Kamil unable to vote?
(a) He is not Egyptian.
(b) He doesn't study the issues.
(c) He doesn't know his birthplace.
(d) He doesn't know how to read.

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

7. What does Hamida feel when she unexpectedly encounters Abbas?
(a) Relief and hope.
(b) Shame and humiliation.
(c) Contempt and animosity.
(d) Love and adoration.

8. What is Uncle Kamil reluctant to tell Abbas?
(a) Hamida has disappeared.
(b) Hamida has died.
(c) Hamida has become ill.
(d) Hamida has married.

9. Who does Salim Alwan believe has better fortune than he?
(a) Those who have faithful families.
(b) Those who die of a heart attack.
(c) Those who have faith in Allah.
(d) Those who make more money.

10. Why does Zaita insist Dr. Booshy accompany him into the tombs?
(a) Dr. Booshy is stronger.
(b) Zaita needs someone to hold the light.
(c) Zaita enjoys torturing Dr. Booshy.
(d) Zaita is fearful and needs support.

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

12. What does Hamida have that proves her popularity with the soldiers?
(a) Savings.
(b) Dates.
(c) Beautiful clothes.
(d) Jewelry.

13. How does Sheikh Darwish respond to Ibrahim Farhat's request for a blessing?
(a) He agrees to pray for him.
(b) He promises him success.
(c) He curses him.
(d) He falls asleep.

14. What does Hussain Kirsha wish he had been?
(a) A rich man.
(b) A combat soldier.
(c) A Briton.
(d) A politician.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Hamida blunder while the stranger is watching her?

2. What does Hamida believe the stranger means when he says, "I'm just the one to take you!"

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

4. Why does Hamida think she will never eat lentils again?

5. Why does Ibrahim Faraj stop himself from having sex with Hamida?

(see the answer keys)

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