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. Where does Hosny pick up a girl?

2. What does Hosny do one rainy morning with Zohra's teacher?

3. What does Hosny think of Mansour?

4. Who does Hosny feel is beneath him socially?

5. How does Mariana dress Zohra?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Hosny's next encounter with Zohra and how does he react?

2. Describe the encounter between Zohra, Hosny and Sarhan.

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

4. What does Mariana offer Zohra and what does Amer fear about Zohra?

5. With whom does Hosny hook up after leaving the Umm Kulthum at intermission, and what is the woman's advice to him?

6. What commotion in the hallway does Hosny respond to, and what does he do?

7. How does Hosny feel towards marriage and women?

8. What do Amer and Mariana complain about and plan?

9. About what is Amer dreaming when he hears a ruckus in the hallway?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics and religion both play major roles in "Miramar". Discuss the following;

1. Thoroughly trace and analyze Amer Wagdi's thoughts and beliefs about religion, using specific examples from the text. Do the same with one other character of your choice.

2. Compare/contrast the political beliefs and past activities of Amer Wagdi with that of Tolba Marzuq. How are they alike? How are they different? Which views do you find more appealing? Why?

3. Choose one other character and thoroughly trace/analyze his/her political views and past and present activities. How important are the views to the character? How do the views influence his/her choices? Are the views rationale?

4. Choose one other character and thoroughly trace/analyze his/her religious views and past and present activities. How important are the views to the character? How do the views influence his/her choices? Are the views rationale?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss this book based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel. Explain your rationale with specific examples.

3. Do you think the fact that "Miramar" falls within the genre of historical fiction changes the criteria upon which its success should be judged? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Sarhan commits suicide (presumably). Discuss the following:

1. Trace and analyze five major events that leads up to Sarhan's suicide. Could any of them have been altered? What does each event contribute to Sarhan's fateful decision?

2. Suicide is often considered by people who feel they have no other options. Do you think Sarhan is at that point when he kills himself? What other options does Sarhan have (consider the times and culture in which Sarhan lives)?

3. Is Sarhan's suicide an act of courage? Stupidity? Selfishness? Do you hold him responsible for the impact his death will have on those who love him? How do you think they will be affected?

4. Do you think Sarhan's friends are partly to blame for the his problems? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 909 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample