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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. Which character is 'Omar attracted to in Chapter 21?

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

3. Why must Sharif's community projects be privately funded?

4. What does Anna happily reveal in Chapter 24?

5. What gift does Sharif plan to give Anna on their wedding day?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Amal long to be with Anna after the bombing at the Mugama' Building?

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

4. How does the "Entente cordiale" affect Sharif?

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

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

7. How does Tareq offer to help Amal in Chapter 21?

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

9. What fear does Sharif have for Nur's future?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the roles of men and women in Egypt in the early 20th century. What physical, economic, and cultural differences existed between Egyptian men and women? How do these differences compare with Western men and women of the same era?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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