1. Jarrar’s protagonist becomes involved with a famous Egyptian intellectual and feminist. But her personal experience with Mansoura becomes much more than just an academic opportunity. It is a coming of age story, and she comes away with a realization, which also includes a revised perception about Mansoura. Do you believe the protagonist comes away more mature and with a stronger knowledge about who she is and what she wants from life?
You are to formulate an argument which explores her growth as a character, but also the change in the protagonist’s perception of Mansoura (and perhaps herself). Be sure to include rhetorical strategies and evidence from the text, which help to support your overall argument. You may also talk about how Jarrar’s use of sarcasm, metaphor, analogy and tone shapes your appreciation of her ideas.
2. Select one of the main themes from Table I, which we have already discussed, then formulate your own specific thesis about it. For example, you might use one of the more general ideas below to create a stronger and more developed thesis statement:
◦ Mansoura as a hypocrite vs she provided tough love and valuable life lessons.
◦ Mansoura as a hypocrite vs her earned right and expectations as a respected academic and writer
◦ the protagonist developed her own individualism vs maintaining a group identity
◦ protagonist compromised her integrity and is irresponsible vs had the right to quit on Mansoura and came away as a stronger person
