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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 consult Radwan Hussainy about Salim Alwan's offer?

2. What does Kirsha blame himself for his wife's behavior?

3. What does Sheikh Darwish say about Abbas' love of Hamida?

4. Why does Salim Alwan avoid a political career?

5. How does the alley learn of Salim Alwan's lunch and its powers?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Dr. Booshy suffer when he goes with Zaita to rob graves?

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

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

6. Waiting for the boy with whom he has become acquainted, Kirsha suffers the "bitterness of victory." What is the bitterness of victory?

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

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

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

10. What does Hamida hope when the handsome stranger first talks to her - a hope that is the exact opposite of what she says?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Determine what the main theme of Midaq Alley is, and support your answer with evidence from the book. Where is this theme seen in the book? How is it exemplified? Who does it affect? What role does it have in the plot?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

There is often a difference between what a character says and what we are told the character actually thinks. Analyze at least two circumstances in which this is true. Discuss probable reasons why the characters do not speak frankly to one another.

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