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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 Hamida react when she learns that Salim Alwan wants to marry her?

2. What does Salim Alwan eat for lunch each day?

3. Why does Uncle Kamil say he can never marry?

4. How often does Jaada go to the baths?

5. Why is Sheik Darwish always welcome?

Short Essay Questions

1. Of Abbas and Hussain Kirsha, which was first to leave the alley and which was first to return?

2. How does Kirsha react to the gossip about his homosexual adventures?

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

4. What does Zaita say was the summer resort of his childhood?

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

6. Why does Ibrahim Faraj select the name Titi for Hamida?

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

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

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

10. Why do residents of the alley fear Umm Hamida?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Midaq Alley is set in a time of great cultural upheaval and change. What changes take place in the culture of the alley during the course of this story? Do you see generational differences between characters of different ages? Use examples from the text in your analysis.

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This section contains 640 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample