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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ibrahim Farhat do for a living?

2. How does Abbas respond to his first drink of alcohol?

3. What does Ibrahim Faraj say is his true profession?

4. What is the first thing Ibrahim Faraj makes Hamida change?

5. What is the only thing that Hamida misses about her past life?

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

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 3

Analyze the character of Radwan Hussainy. How has he managed to live happily while enduring great sorrow and loss? What effect does his advice have on those who ask him for it? What do you see as Mahfouz' purpose in making Radwan Hussainy a central character in his depiction of the alley?

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This section contains 330 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample