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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 honor does Zeinab give Anna the night of her wedding?

2. What do Western officials claim will prevent Egypt from establishing an independent constitution and rule?

3. What does Anna happily reveal in Chapter 24?

4. Why is Anna's loom empty in Chapter 28?

5. What does Amal want to teach if she can re-open her school?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Anna feel her baby is in the balance against the ills of the world?

2. How does Amal honor her ancestors once her research is complete?

3. How does Cromer react to Anna's decision to marry Sharif?

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

5. Why does Anna's wedding take three days to finalize?

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

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

8. How does Tareq help Amal and the fellaheen in Chapter 26?

9. Why is Sharif offended by the carriage driver in Chapter 23?

10. How does Sharif's motivation and behavior change by Chapter 29?

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 Amal and 'Omar separate from their Egyptian heritage? What motivates each character to leave Egypt? What motivates each character to reconnect with his or her Egyptian roots? What changes do Amal and 'Omar make to their lives as a result of Amal's research into Anna's life?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the effect Egypt has on Isabel. How does Egyptian culture and politics affect her character? How does her relationship with Amal affect her attitude towards her Egyptian heritage?

(see the answer keys)

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