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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. Where does Hosny pick up a girl?

2. Why does Hosny move to the Miramar?

3. What does Hosny order his Maltese madam to do?

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

5. What news does Mariana bring about Sarhan days after he leaves.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Tolba Marzuq relationship to Mariana, and what does Amer think of him?

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

4. How does Hosny feel about old people?

5. Why is Sarhan fighting a drunken Hosny in the hall one evening?

6. Why does Hosny move to Miramar and what is his first thought about Zohra?

7. How does Amer respond to the news that Zohra is taking reading lessons, and how do others respond?

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

9. Why does Hosny's attitude towards Zohra change?

10. What are Hosny's impressions of the other Miramar residents?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Naguib Mahfouz published over 50 novels, more than 350 short stories, dozens of movie scripts, and five plays over a 70-year career. Many of his works have been made into Egyptian and foreign films. There are a number of interesting questions raised by this book. Questions that Mahfouz may have wanted readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Research the life of Naguib Mahfouz and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing. Write a 2-3 page informative essay about Mahfouz as an author.

2. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

3.. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Mahfouz's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Mahfouz's probable agenda concerning that idea.

3. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

4. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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