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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. Who announces Sarhan's murder?

2. Which boarder is built like a wrestler?

3. About what is Hosny certain when he sees Zohra?

4. What does Hosny think of Mansour?

5. From whom does Zohra turn down a marriage proposal.

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Zohra and Amer have a chance to talk and how does Zohra feel about the two older, male boarders?

2. What does Mariana offer Zohra and what does Amer fear about Zohra?

3. What do Amer and Mariana complain about and plan?

4. What is the general atmosphere at the beginning of the Umm Kulthum concert, and how does that change?

5. After dropping the woman off at Mazarita, how does Hosny relieve his tension?

6. Describe Hosny Allam.

7. What is Hosny's next encounter with Zohra and how does he react?

8. Describe the encounter between Zohra, Hosny and Sarhan.

9. Who announces Sarhan's death and what is Hosny's reaction?

10. Describe Mansour Bahy.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics and religion both play major roles in "Miramar". Discuss the following;

1. Thoroughly trace and analyze Amer Wagdi's thoughts and beliefs about religion, using specific examples from the text. Do the same with one other character of your choice.

2. Compare/contrast the political beliefs and past activities of Amer Wagdi with that of Tolba Marzuq. How are they alike? How are they different? Which views do you find more appealing? Why?

3. Choose one other character and thoroughly trace/analyze his/her political views and past and present activities. How important are the views to the character? How do the views influence his/her choices? Are the views rationale?

4. Choose one other character and thoroughly trace/analyze his/her religious views and past and present activities. How important are the views to the character? How do the views influence his/her choices? Are the views rationale?

Essay Topic 2

Certainly "Miramar" considers the subject of gender. Discuss the following:

1. Define the term "gender."

2. Does gender only refer to whether a person is male or female? Is gender easy to identify?

3. Discuss the Egyptian cultural definitions of gender during the era of "Miramar" and the expectations for each gender. Do any of those expectations exist today?

4. Would you like to live in a culture that has those expectations for men and women that are revealed in the book? Discuss fully with examples from the text.

5. Are women the only ones harmed by gender-based expectations? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Sarhan commits suicide (presumably). Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze five major events that leads up to Sarhan's suicide. Could any of them have been altered? What does each event contribute to Sarhan's fateful decision?

2. Suicide is often considered by people who feel they have no other options. Do you think Sarhan is at that point when he kills himself? What other options does Sarhan have (consider the times and culture in which Sarhan lives)?

3. Is Sarhan's suicide an act of courage? Stupidity? Selfishness? Do you hold him responsible for the impact his death will have on those who love him? How do you think they will be affected?

4. Do you think Sarhan's friends are partly to blame for the his problems? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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