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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. With whom would Sarhan wish to listen to the Umm Kulthum's concert?

2. What do Sarhan and Safeya do in Mahmoud's presence?

3. What does Mansour pity in Zohra?

4. What does Zohra explain to Mansour about the fight in the hall?

5. Where does Ali want to meet Sarhan at 8 p.m.?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mansour react to Sarhan's announcement that he intends to marry Aleya?

2. Describe Mansour's version of the altercation in the hallway between an unknown woman, Zohra and Sarhan.

3. What is Mansour's further impression of Zohra and how does he feel towards her?

4. What are Mansour's first impressions of Zohra?

5. What are Mansour's first impressions of some of the boarders at the Miramar?

6. What happens when Sarhan tries to kiss Zohra for the first time, and what is Zohra's reaction?

7. What do Mansour and Amer discuss one night?

8. Wat does Sarhan say about the Umm Kulthum concert?

9. Briefly describe Mansour's meeting with his longtime friend Fawzi.

10. Describe the fight with Safeya, Zohra and Sarhan from Sarhan's perspective.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Miramar" ends on an unhappy or seemingly morbid note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Miramar" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Miramar" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

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

Discuss the following:

1. Discuss the theme of choice in "Miramar". Who makes wise choices? Who makes unwise choices? Do you think Sarhan believes more in fate or free will? Why?

2. Debate the following statement in an argument/persuasion essay: Making several poor choices one after the other makes it more likely one will continue to make poor choices.

3. Rewrite the ending with Sarhan making what you think would be a wiser choice and then discuss why you believe it would be a better choice.

(see the answer keys)

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