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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. How does Tolba feel about the new male boarders?

2. What do Amer and Mariana plan?

3. What does Hosny learn about Zohra at breakfast?

4. Who does Hosny meet that he thinks would be worth marrying?

5. Why is Hosny slightly jealous of Zohra?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Hosny feel towards marriage and women?

6. Why is Sarhan fighting a drunken Hosny in the hall one evening?

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

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

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

10. Describe Hosny Allam.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Oftentimes, a book is more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and sometimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think "Miramar" is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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