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

2. What does Radwan Hussainy pray for when he learns of Mrs. Kirsha's trouble?

3. How does Hussain Kirsha convince Abbas to go to work for the British?

4. What relation is Umm Hamida to Hamida?

5. Why does Radwan Hussainy invite Kirsha into his home?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Zaita claim that the best doctors in Egypt don't have the skill that he does?

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

3. Why does Radwan Hussainy tell Salim Alwan that he is better off with his sickness than others are with their health?

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

5. What does Zaita promise he will do to help the beggar who is too big and strong to gain people's sympathy?

6. Why does Radwan Hussainy advise Umm Hamida that Abbas will be a better husband for Hamida than Salim Alwan?

7. Why does Ibrahim Faraj refrain from having sex with Hamida?

8. Why does the news about Dr. Booshy and Zaita being caught robbing graves affect Mrs. Afify?

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

10. Why does Salim Alwan envy those who die of a heart attack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Afify is superstitious. Describe her superstitions and the role they play in the plot.

Essay Topic 2

Evaluate the character of Sheikh Darwish. What makes him a holy man? What effect do his pronouncements have on those around him? As a stylistic tool, he is used by Mahfouz for foreshadowing and explanation. Use examples of both in your analysis.

Essay Topic 3

The effects of World War II on the Egyptian residents of Midaq Alley are far different than the effects of people of different economic and social strata, and on people in different parts of the world. Using the text, explain how the war has affected these characters.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 771 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample