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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 is Fahmy terrified to see puddles of at al-Husayn?

2. What does a black maid invite Yasin to see for the first time in Chapter 44?

3. What does Amina wish to do for Khadija after growing concerned about her in Chapter 38?

4. What does Fahmy read a letter about from the Wafd Delegation to the Sultan in protest of?

5. What does the author say Fahmy is obsessed with in Chapter 52?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Kamal's life affected by the revolution according to Chapter 55?

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

4. What is the nature of Fahmy and Yasin's conversation in Chapter 41?

5. What are Fahmy's views on nationalism, as described in Chapter 52?

6. How is Amina's homecoming described after Ahmad sends her a pardon to return?

7. How is Yasin's last meeting with his mother described?

8. What happens when Yasin finds the maid Nur on the roof of the house?

9. How is Ahmad's visit with Umm Maryam described in Chapter 51?

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

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

Compare and contrast Ahmad's dual personalities with his family and outside in public. How is the reader able to know Ahmad's true nature based on the secret fantasies he has about others in public?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the concept of submission in the book, notably through Ahmad and Amina's relationship. What might Amina feel that submitting to her husband would represent in terms of her culture and social beliefs?

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