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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. Where is Amal al-Ghamrawi when she has her terrifying dream?

2. How does 'Who's Who" describe Omar?

3. Which friend of Amal's is carrying her fifth child in Chapter 8?

4. What does Layla pack into Anna's saddleback before Anna leaves for Sinai?

5. Why did 'Urabi Basha lead a revolt?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tareq offend Amal?

2. According to the men at the Atelier 'am Ghazzali, how do the events of the early 20th century affect the political climate of Egypt in the late 20th century?

3. Describe the relationships between Egyptian Christians and Muslims in the early 20th century.

4. In the early 20th century, how do the roles of men and women differ in Egypt?

5. How is Amal related to Isabel?

6. Why does Anna have an unhappy marriage with Edward?

7. What request do the women of Tawasi make of Isabel?

8. How are Amal and Isabel similar?

9. How is 'Omar described at the beginning of the book?

10. What was the purpose of Anna's kidnapping?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Soueif blend the two time lines to establish continuity in the novel? Describe how Anna's journal entries parallel or compliment Amal's experiences. How is the progression of Anna's life in Egypt used to motivate Amal? How does the progression of events in Anna's journal affect the development of Amal's character?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of symbolism in the novel. What do Anna's three tapestries represent? What symbolic interpretation could be inferred from Isabel's visit to the shrine? Which religious figures could Sheikh 'Isa and Umm Aya symbolize and why might they have chosen to speak to Isabel? How is odor used symbolically? Who or what might Little Sharif symbolize, and why?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Anna's marriage to Edward with her marriage to Sharif. Describe the type of relationship each man has with Anna during each marriage, including each couple's communication skills, physical attraction, and emotional support. How much is Anna involved in each man's business affairs?

(see the answer keys)

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