View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What are the prisoners that Ahmad reacts to in Chapter 53 arrested for?

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

4. Who particularly sees trouble in the actions of Yasin's new wife after they are married?

5. Whose marriage does the Widow Shawcat arrange in Chapter 45?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Yasin's wedding reception described?

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does Ahmad tell Khadija just before she is married?

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

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

Compare and contrast the characters of Yasin and Ahmad. What parallels are present between these two characters and what is significant about these?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the role that superstition plays in Amina's life and the connections they have to her pious faith. What is telling of Amina's faith based on her superstitious rituals and speeches in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the role fate plays in the lives of Ahmad's children who refuse to argue with his rules, especially about marriage. What is telling of Aisha based on her decision to leave being married up to fate?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 579 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample