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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 Umm Hamida object to Salim Alwan's desire to marry Hamida?

2. Why does Hamida envy Jewish girls?

3. How old is the photo Mrs. Afify sends to her suitor?

4. What do Hussain Kirsha's modern friends have that he envies?

5. When does Zaita begin work?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How long as Hamida been gone when Abbas comes home, and what efforts have been made to find her?

3. How does Hamida feel when Ibrahim Faraj begins to woo her?

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

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

6. When Mrs. Kirsha appeals to Radwan Hussainy for help, for whom does Radwan Hussainy pray first?

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

8. To what does Radwan Hussain compare evil?

9. Why does Kirsha wish success to Hitler?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Critics have said that Mahfouz presents his characters with great humor. Are there elements of this story that seem funny to you? What do you make of the fact that characters in the story who love one another often speak to each other with exaggerated hatred and disdain and in direct opposition to their real feelings? Much of humor is difficult to translate from one language or cultural setting to another. Select incidents from the story which could be interpreted as comical and explain what could make them funny.

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

Analyze the effects of serialization on the structure of this story. Consider elements such as repetition, cliffhangers, gossip, and "tags" at the end of each chapter in which characters explain something that has happened to someone who doesn't know it yet. Find examples of each stylistic element of serialization and explain its use.

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