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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 do Ahmad's children decide to ask for help to get him to let Amina return?

2. What is Kamal doing in a circle of soldiers in Chapter 59?

3. Who does a young theology student accuse of being a spy at prayer service?

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

5. What does Ahmad congratulate himself for not doing like Yasin when reprimanding him in Chapter 58?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Fahmy stirred by politics in Chapter 48?

2. How are Aisha's new surroundings described after she is married and Amina, Khadaji, and Kamal visit her?

3. How is Yasin's wedding reception described?

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

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

6. How is Yasin and Zaynab's marriage described in Chapter 46?

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

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

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

10. How does Kamal tell Ahmad that he wants Amina back in their house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of education in the book, especially in regards to Kamal. What impact could Fahmy's educating Kamal on his nationalist beliefs have on his own ideals later on?

Essay Topic 2

The underlying theme throughout the entire book has been Ahmad's tyranny over his family, with little explanation for what motivates his actions towards others.

Part 1.) What is Ahmad's nature based on his need to be a tyrant over his household?

Part 2.) How does Ahmad's tyranny parallel similar political actions going on in Egypt at the time?

Part 3.) Does Ahmad's ponderings after Fahmy's funeral suggest that he may have had a change of heart regarding his tyrannous treatment of his family?

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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