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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Hamida fear marriage?

2. Why does Umm Hamida object to Salim Alwan's desire to marry Hamida?

3. What does Kirsha believe is replacing public recitations?

4. What does Salim Alwan want from Hamida?

5. Why was Zaita happy as a child?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Dr. Booshy dislike Mrs. Afify?

3. Why does Radwan Hussainy feel guilty for the wrongdoing of Dr. Booshy and Zaita?

4. What does Hamida believe rich people eat?

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

6. What does Hamida mean when she quotes the saying to her foster mother, "It's always the carpenter's door that's falling apart?"

7. When Hussain Kirsha returns home in a sorry state, who does he blame for his troubles?

8. How does Hamida feel about questions of morality?

9. When Kirsha shows anger toward Sheikh Darwish, he appeals to Zainab. Who is she and why does Sheikh Darwish pray to her?

10. Why is Hamida pleased when Abbas says that what she has done will always stand between them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Midaq Alley, many behaviors, such as smoking hashish, assaulting a spouse, bribing people to vote for a candidate, and maiming human beings, are tolerated that would be illegal under other circumstances. What is it about the alley that keeps reprehensible conduct from being punished? Does it seem to you that such laxity is part of the general culture or specific to the low level of economic and educational well-being that is seen in Midaq Alley? Use evidence from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the character of Radwan Hussainy. How has he managed to live happily while enduring great sorrow and loss? What effect does his advice have on those who ask him for it? What do you see as Mahfouz' purpose in making Radwan Hussainy a central character in his depiction of the alley?

Essay Topic 3

Women in Midaq Alley have very limited spheres of action. What can they do to improve their situations? Consider their access to health care, education, employment, and marriage prospects.

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