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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. What does Ali point out to Sarhan about Sarhan working within the system?

2. Who does Mansour think is the life of the party on the night of the Umm Kulthum concert

3. Where does Sarhan first see Zohra?

4. Who does Sarhan encounter on the street and whom he finds different but familiar?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mansour do when he learns of Fawzi's arrest?

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

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

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

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

6. What are Sarhan's quick impressions of Hosny and Mansour?

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

8. What does Sarhan say about Mariana when he asks to rent a room and how does Zohra act when she sees him at the Miramar?

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

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

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss one of the following in relation to The Awakening:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Sarhan al-Beheiry and Hosny Allam. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Is either man's beliefs more worthy than the other? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Sarhan al-Beheiry and Mansour Bahy. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how two of the secondary characters help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character Zohra Salama. What are her strengths? Weaknesses? How does she evolve over the course of the story? Is she likable at the beginning of the story? Sympathetic? How do you view her by the end of the book? Do you think she is a protagonist or antagonist? Why

2. Thoroughly discuss the character Sarhan al-Beheiry . What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an enemy?

3. Thoroughly discuss Hosny Allam. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an enemy?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Miramar", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Miramar. (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

4. Many writers and critics say there are only a few plots in the world of fiction; it's what an author does with a plot that distinguishes a mediocre book from an outstanding book. Respond to this idea, using examples from Miramar and other books you have read.

(see the answer keys)

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