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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 nationality is Cromer?

2. What can Sheikh 'Isa create?

3. In "An End", what does Isabel want to show 'Omar?

4. What incident sparks a bloody shootout between British troops and the fellaheen?

5. How are Isis and Osiris related?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Anna and Sharif argue in Chapter 22?

2. According to Layla, what has been the net result of the political strife in Egypt?

3. How does the Zionist movement affect the Egyptian characters in the book?

4. Why does Anna consider returning to England in Chapter 17?

5. What does Zeinab think of Anna?

6. Why does Amal fear for 'Omar?

7. What complications might arise with Anna and Sharif's marriage?

8. How does Emily react to Anna's decision to marry Sharif?

9. How does Anna's life change after Sharif's death?

10. Why did Ibrahim Nassif al-Wardani assassinate Prime Minister Ghali?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the use of symbolism in the novel. What do Anna's three tapestries represent? What symbolic interpretation could be inferred from Isabel's visit to the shrine? Which religious figures could Sheikh 'Isa and Umm Aya symbolize and why might they have chosen to speak to Isabel? How is odor used symbolically? Who or what might Little Sharif symbolize, and why?

Essay Topic 2

How do the contents of Isabel's trunk affect the lives of those who read her journals? How do Anna's documents clarify both Isabel and Anna's heritage? What questions or problems do Anna's documents raise for Isabel and Anna?

Essay Topic 3

How does Soueif blend the two time lines to establish continuity in the novel? Describe how Anna's journal entries parallel or compliment Amal's experiences. How is the progression of Anna's life in Egypt used to motivate Amal? How does the progression of events in Anna's journal affect the development of Amal's character?

(see the answer keys)

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