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Naguib Mahfouz, Half a Day

Naguib Mahfouz, Half a Day

Read Half a Day and check your comprehension by answering the following questions. Then “submit” your work.

1. At the beginning of the story, to where is the father taking the son?

to the store

to the mosque

to school

to his aunt’s house

2. What does the father say to the son when he bids him farewell?

“I will miss you.”

“Try to forget me and your mother. It will make you happier.”

“Now is the day for your great punishment.”

“You will find me waiting for you when it’s time to leave.”

3. Who is waiting for the narrator when it is time to leave?

his son

no one

his father

his brother

4. How has the world changed during the course of the half-day?

There has been no change.

The narrator’s home has been bombed.

There are more gardens planted along the streets.

There is traffic, throngs of people, and tall buildings.

5. When the narrator goes to cross the street, what does a young lad say to him?

“Little one, where is your father?”

“Come, friend, let us hold hands and cross together.”

“Don’t cross! Your father awaits you on this side of the street.”

“Grandpa, let me take you across.”