Midaq Alley

What are the elements of historical realism that Naguib Mahfouz employs in Midaq Alley?

Midaq Alley was written in 1947, shortly after the end of World War II, when Egypt was still experiencing British occupation. How was Mahfouz’s novel received when it was published and how did it resonate with public opinion at the time? Cite authoritative external sources in your response.

From a feminist perspective, does Mahfouz’s portrayal of Hamida address the difficulty of female liberation in mid-20th century Egypt?

How does Mahfouz weave in the criticism of the British colonial occupation of Egypt into Midaq Alley?

What is the history of LGBTQ+ rights in Egypt and the larger Arab world? What struggles and triumphs have LGBTQ+ individuals experienced?

Would Zaita act in the same cruel manner if he belonged to a different social class? How much of Zaita’s behavior is determined by his poverty? Provide textual evidence in your response.

What is the role of Sheikh Darwish in Midaq Alley? How do his interventions in English influence the reader?

What are some examples of British and American culture permeating Egyptian society in the novel? Do characters react positively or negatively to these changes? Does Mahfouz present any of these changes as having a positive effect, or does the text position Western influence as only harmful? Use evidence from the text in your response.