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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 Amina do after hearing about the two mediators who work on her behalf to get her back home?

2. How does Yasin feel when he discovers his father cheating on his mother in Chapter 39?

3. What does Kamal accept from Khalil although he resents him in Chapter 43?

4. What has Ahmad often fantasized about the person who visits his store in Chapter 35?

5. Which of the following things does not happen in the revolution that makes Fahmy's spirits soar?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Fahmy believe British troops have set up camp across from Abd al-Jawad's doorstep?

2. How does Fahmy react when the first martyrs start dying in the revolution?

3. How is Yasin's wedding reception described?

4. What do Kamal and Umm Hanafi tell the others happened when they were chased by British troops?

5. What is the nature of Iffat's visit to Ahmad's store in Chapter 60?

6. How does Kamal act towards the British troops in Chapter 64?

7. What does Jalia confront Ahmad about when she joins the men's party during Aisha's marriage celebration?

8. How is Umm Maryam's visit to Ahmad's store described in Chapter 35?

9. How does Khadija react when Aisha asks her for help sewing her wedding gown?

10. How does Ahmad participate in politics according to his actions in Chapter 49?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the author's portrayal of Egyptian society in the book, and note if Ahmad fits into this portrayal or not. What clues can be found to suggest that Ahmad's household rituals are more extreme than the norm in Egypt?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the portrayal of martyrdom in the book, focusing on Fahmy's journey of becoming a martyr and the obstacles he overcame. What is the country's true feelings towards martyrs based on the nature of Fahmy's burial in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the author's portrayal of domesticity in the female characters of Ahmad's household. What is telling of the changes in culture based on Amina and Khadija's differing views on domesticity?

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