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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 does Hussain Kirsha feel about his father's erotic adventures?

2. When does Zaita begin work?

3. What trick does Abbas play on Uncle Kamil?

4. How is Radwan Hussainy regarded by pious men like himself?

5. How does Salim Alwan deal with his family?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why has Salim Alwan decided to take a second wife?

2. Why do Abbas' words of love have an effect on Hamida although she does not care for him?

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

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

5. As the story ends, what are the residents of the alley preparing to celebrate?

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

7. How did Hamida feel when she was in Ibrahim Faraj's house?

8. Why have Salim Alwan's sons drifted from the life of merchants and trade?

9. Which of the alley residents was most affected by the news of Abbas' tragic death?

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

Consider the references to God in the story in terms of personal responsibility. Which characters seem to you to actually believe in God and try to conform their behavior to the teachings of the Qur'an? Are those that refer to God most the true believers? Discuss at least two characters in terms of their relation to deity, using examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Radwan Hussainy says that evil is a form of weakness or illness, causing people to be unable to recognize the good that is around them. Consider the problem of evil in this story. Is Zaita evil? Is Ibrahim Faraj? Is Hamida? Decide upon your own definition of evil, and analyze at least two characters in light of your definition, using evidence from the text. Then determine whether you agree with Radwan Hussainy's definition.

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