- 1. Children of Gebelawi is a profound novel by Naguib Mahfouz, an esteemed Egyptian writer and Nobel Laureate, that intricately weaves together themes of faith, power, and the human condition, set within a rich tapestry of allegory and social commentary. The narrative unfolds within a fictional Cairo neighborhood, where the legacy of the mythical figure Gebelawi, an influential patriarch, symbolizes the struggle between divine justice and human greed. Following the lives of several generations of his descendants, the story parallels the lives of historical religious figures, inviting readers to reflect on the complex interplay between morality, spirituality, and the societal structures that govern human behavior. Through the vibrant and often tumultuous experiences of characters like the impetuous young man and the wise elder, Mahfouz explores the underlying philosophies of existence, the quest for meaning, and the longing for redemption amidst the chaos of modern life. Ultimately, Children of Gebelawi is not just a tale of familial bonds and societal conflicts but a poignant examination of the eternal quest for truth and the universal struggle against oppression and despair.
In what year was 'Children of Gebelawi' published?
A) 1972
B) 1965
C) 1959
D) 1945
- 2. Which city serves as the backdrop for the novel?
A) Cairo
B) Luxor
C) Giza
D) Alexandria
- 3. How many generations are sketched in 'Children of Gebelawi'?
A) Three
B) Five
C) Four
D) Six
- 4. What type of narrative style is used in 'Children of Gebelawi'?
A) First-person
B) Allegorical
C) Stream of consciousness
D) Epistolary
- 5. What is the climactic event involving Gebelawi?
A) His trial
B) His death
C) His disappearance
D) His return to earth
- 6. How does the novel portray religion?
A) As complex and multifaceted
B) As irrelevant
C) As entirely negative
D) As excessively simplistic
- 7. Which element of literature is employed in character names?
A) Foreshadowing
B) Alliteration
C) Irony
D) Symbolism
- 8. Who represents the voice of tradition?
A) Razia
B) Adham
C) Moses
D) Gebelawi
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