- 1. "Guests of the Sheik" by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea is a captivating ethnographic account that delves into the rich cultural tapestry of a small Iraqi village in the 1950s. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of Fernea and her husband, who, as American expatriates, venture into the heart of a world vastly different from their own. As Elizabeth immerses herself in the daily lives, customs, and traditions of the villagers, she provides readers with an intimate glimpse into the complexities of gender roles, social dynamics, and the nuances of intercultural communication. The book is not only a personal memoir but also a profound exploration of the ways in which the sheik's family and their guests navigate life, hospitality, and the impact of modernization on traditional practices. Through beautifully articulated observations and poignant storytelling, Fernea illustrates the warmth and resilience of the community while also addressing the challenges they face amidst political changes. "Guests of the Sheik" stands as a significant contribution to the genre of cultural anthropology, offering invaluable insights into the lives of women in the Middle East and inviting readers to reflect on the intersections of culture, identity, and belonging.
In which country does the majority of the book 'Guests of the Sheik' take place?
A) Egypt
B) Syria
C) Iraq
D) Iran
- 2. What is the name of the small tribal village where Elizabeth and her husband Bob live?
A) Baghdad
B) Karbala
C) Basra
D) El Nahra
- 3. What is the profession of Elizabeth's husband, Bob?
A) Journalist
B) Doctor
C) Anthropologist
D) Engineer
- 4. Who is the sheik mentioned in the book's title?
A) Sheik Mohammed
B) Sheik Abdullah
C) Sheik Hamid
D) Sheik Ali
- 5. What significant cultural barrier does Elizabeth initially face with the village women?
A) She criticizes their religion.
B) She brings modern technology.
C) She refuses to wear the abaya.
D) She cannot speak their language.
- 6. What major religious observance do Elizabeth and the villagers participate in?
A) Eid al-Fitr
B) Ramadan
C) Muharram
D) Hajj
- 7. How does Elizabeth's perspective on the abaya change over time?
A) She sees it as a form of privacy and identity.
B) She only wears it for special occasions.
C) She convinces the women to stop wearing it.
D) She continues to hate it.
- 8. What is the 'harem' in the context of this book?
A) A group of wives
B) A sacred temple
C) The women's quarters of a household
D) A dance performance
- 9. What is the significance of the ritual chest-beating during Muharram?
A) It celebrates a good harvest.
B) It marks the beginning of Ramadan.
C) It welcomes newborn babies.
D) It commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein.
- 10. What is the general attitude of the village women towards marriage?
A) It is feared and avoided.
B) It is a practical and expected part of life.
C) It is considered a religious punishment.
D) It is based solely on romantic love.
- 11. What does Elizabeth come to understand about the concept of 'honor' in the village?
A) It is based on how much money a man has.
B) It is solely a personal quality.
C) It is irrelevant in modern times.
D) It is tied to the behavior of the family's women.
- 12. What is the reaction of the village women to Elizabeth's initial attempts to live like them?
A) They are amused but appreciative.
B) They try to stop her.
C) They are completely indifferent.
D) They are angry and insulted.
- 13. What is the primary language spoken in the village of El Nahra?
A) Kurdish
B) Arabic
C) Farsi
D) Turkish
- 14. What is Elizabeth's final feeling as she prepares to leave El Nahra?
A) Indifference, as her work was done.
B) Anger at the way women are treated.
C) Relief to be returning to modernity.
D) A sense of loss and deep connection to the people.
- 15. What traditional garment does Fernea eventually adopt to gain acceptance?
A) The hijab
B) The chador
C) The abaya
D) The burqa
- 16. What major religious observance, involving a period of fasting, do the villagers participate in?
A) Muharram
B) Ramadan
C) Eid al-Fitr
D) Hajj
- 17. The book is considered a classic example of what anthropological approach?
A) Linguistic analysis
B) Archaeological excavation
C) Statistical analysis
D) Participant observation
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