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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Umm Hamida object to Salim Alwan's desire to marry Hamida?
(a) Umm Hamida and Hamida are not of Salim Alwan's class.
(b) Hamida is too difficult and contrary.
(c) Citizens of the alley will object.
(d) Salim Alwan is too old.

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

3. What is Mrs. Kirsha's personality when she visits Radwan Hussainy?
(a) Mrs. Kirsha is hesitant and unsure of herself.
(b) Mrs. Kirsha is fearful and ashamed.
(c) Mrs. Kirsha is fearless and shameless.
(d) Mrs. Kirsha is shy and diffident.

4. What tragedies have befallen Radwan Hussain?
(a) The death of his children and the loss of his friends.
(b) The loss of his fortune and the death of his wife.
(c) Failed university exams and the death of his children.
(d) The death of his wife and his failed university exams.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Husniya react when Zaita reveals himself to her?

2. Why does Hamida accept attention from Abbas?

3. What does Sheikh Darwish say about Abbas' love of Hamida?

4. Why does Kirsha say the neighbors gossip about him?

5. What does Zaita say is the most precious deformity a beggar can have?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Radwan Hussainy say can defeat all of life's tragedies?

2. Why does Hussain Kirsha say that Abbas should be an Italian rather than a Briton?

3. Why does Uncle Kamil have nothing more to do with Salim Alwan?

4. What change takes place in Kirsha's cafe in Chapter One and what does this change represent?

5. How could Salim Alwan earn the respected title of "bey?"

6. What has caused Sheikh Darwish to weep and how so loudly that all the alley can hear him?

7. How do Hamida and her friends feel about the Jewish girls that work in Cairo?

8. What conflicting emotions does Hamida feel for the stranger who keeps staring at her?

9. Why does Kirsha wish success to Hitler?

10. How does Radwan Hussainy behave toward his wife that is in contrast to his treatment of all others?

(see the answer keys)

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