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. Who does Mariana evict?

2. What does Sarhan relate?

3. What does Zohra think about Tolba's request for a massage.

4. What do Amer and Mariana plan?

5. Who owns Wagdi's old residence?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the general atmosphere at the beginning of the Umm Kulthum concert, and how does that change?

2. Describe Hosny Allam.

3. Who announces Sarhan's death and what is Hosny's reaction?

4. About what does Amer warn Zohra and why does he do so?

5. How do Zohra and Amer have a chance to talk and how does Zohra feel about the two older, male boarders?

6. What are Hosny's impressions of the other Miramar residents?

7. Why does Hosny's attitude towards Zohra change?

8. What is Tolba Marzuq relationship to Mariana, and what does Amer think of him?

9. How does Hosny feel towards marriage and women?

10. After dropping the woman off at Mazarita, how does Hosny relieve his tension?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Miramar". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters most need to grow as humans? Why? Give examples. Why characters seem to have reached close to their full emotional/mental growth? Why? Give examples What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of mental/emotional illness or immaturity in the book. Which characters struggle with some sort of emotional illness? Why? Which characters seem really healthy emotionally/mentally? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of tradition in "Miramar". What is Amer's view of tradition? Mariana's? Sarhan? Hosny? Zohra? Why is tradition important to some characters? Is anyone willing to abandon traditional viewpoints? Who? What are the positive and negative aspects to tradition?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Miramar", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in Miramar. (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

4. Many writers and critics say there are only a few plots in the world of fiction; it's what an author does with a plot that distinguishes a mediocre book from an outstanding book. Respond to this idea, using examples from Miramar and other books you have read.

Essay Topic 3

In the world of academe, historical fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think historical fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think historical fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposes for people reading historical fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read historical fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 947 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample