Mosque of Hussain

“This was the normal pattern of life in the alley, disturbed only occasionally when one of its girls disappeared or one of its menfolk was swallowed by the prison. But soon such bubbles subsided into its lakelike surface, calm or stagnant, and by evening whatever might have happened in the morning was almost forgotten.” Chap. 35, p. 282

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Topics for Discussion What function does the unnamed Poet play in the novel?

What is Uncle Kamel’s function in the novel?

What is the social function of gossip in the novel?

How is wine depicted in the novel?

Who is guiltier: Hamida, or Faraj for her descent into prostitution?

What is the position of women in the novel and how does its portrayal make you feel?

How does Midaq Alley help you better understand the world of Islam?

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Midaq Alley Study Guide
Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz
Contents
Plot Summary
Chapters 1-5
Chapters 1-5 Summary
Chapters 1-5 Analysis
Chapters 6-9
Chapters 6-9 Summary
Chapters 6-9 Analysis
Chapters 10-14
Chapters 10-14 Summary
Chapters 10-14 Analysis
Chapters 15-18
Chapters 15-18 Summary
Chapters 15-18 Analysis
Chapters 19-22
Chapters 19-22 Summary
Chapters 19-22 Analysis
Chapters 23-25
Chapters 23-25 Summary
Chapters 23-25 Analysis
Chapters 26-28
Chapters 26-28 Summary
Chapters 26-28 Analysis
Chapters 29-32
Chapters 29-32 Summary
Chapters 29-32 Analysis
Chapters 33-35
Chapters 33-35 Summary
Chapters 33-35 Analysis
Characters
Abbas Hilu
Hamída
Kirsha
Saniya Afify
Salim Alwan
Dr. Booshy
Sheikh Darwish
Ibrahim Faraj
Ibrahim Farhat
Radwan Hussainy
Jaada and Husniya
Uncle Kamil
Mrs. Kirsha (Umm Hussain)
Hussain Kirsha
The Poet
Sanker
Susu
Umm Hamida
Zaita
Objects/Places
Midaq Alley
Kirsha’s Café
British Army
Hashish
Mosque of Hussain
Mecca and Medina
Sharif Pasha Street
Tell el-Kabir
Vita’s Bar
Wafd Party
Themes
Religion
Sex
War
Style
Point of View
Setting
Language and Meaning
Structure
Quotes
Topics for Discussion