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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 is Zohra with when Sarhand sees her after visiting with his friend Rafat?

2. About what do Mansour and Fawzi banter?

3. Where do Mansour and Doreya next meet?

4. What does Mansour offer Zohra when she brings him tea?

5. What is the main characteristic Sarhan observes about Mansour?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe Sarhan's encounter with Tolba on the street.

4. What does Mansour impulsively do when he meets Doreya at the zoo?

5. Why does Doreya say Mansour is four years too late and what is his response?

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

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

8. Why is Mansour at the Miramar and how does he feel about that?

9. How does Ali convince Sarhan to join him in the heist?

10. What are Ali and Sarhan's plans to gain money?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the world of academe, historical fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think historical fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think historical fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposes for people reading historical fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read historical fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

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

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Miramar".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Miramar". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes the story. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 960 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample