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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. Why does James Barrington turn down a diplomatic posting to Syria?

2. How many days must Anna sleep apart from her husband in Chapter 24?

3. Where does Amal decide to move to once Anna's story is finished?

4. What odor does Isabel smell as she meets Umm Aya and Sheikh 'Isa?

5. What does Layla feel has dominated the lives of her family members?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is 'Omar concerned about Isabel's pregnancy?

2. How does Anna's relationship with Layla and Sharif affect her relationship with other Britons living in Egypt?

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

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

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

6. Why does 'Omar refuse to continue his relationship with Isabel in Chapter 22?

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

8. Why does Amal fear for 'Omar?

9. How does Anna's story affect Amal's future?

10. What does Zeinab think of Anna?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Tareq and Amal's relationship. How does Tareq both offend and assist Amal? What expectations does each character have for the future of their relationship? How do politics affect the outcome of their relationship?

Essay Topic 2

What ironies are evident in the novel? What irony does Amal's family experience throughout the novel? What ironies are present in the "Entente cordiale" and subsequent political agreements? How is irony used to view the cycle of political and social/personal oppression suffered by the Egyptians?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Egypt's government in the early 20th century with its government in the late 20th century. How did the political climate and subsequent events in the early 20th century affect the political climate and events in the late 20th century? What freedoms were earned in the late 20th century due to the efforts of men like Sharif in the early 20th century?

(see the answer keys)

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