10 Questions
What was the narrator's feeling about going to school for the first time?
Fear
What was the father's response when the narrator asked 'Why school?'
School is a factory that makes useful men out of boys
What was the narrator's mother doing as they left for school?
Standing at the window watching
What could be seen in the fields along the street they walked on?
Crops, prickly pears, henna trees, and date palms
What was the narrator's impression of the school building?
It was a huge, high-walled fortress
What did the narrator's father tell him to do before leaving him?
Be a man
What was the narrator's first impression of the children in the new place?
They were all strangers
What did the lady say about the new place?
This is your new home
What did the narrator and the other children do in the music room?
Chanted songs
What did the narrator realize about life in the new place?
It had its ups and downs
Study Notes
The First Day of School
- The narrator, a young boy, is accompanying his father to school for the first time, dressed in new clothes, including black shoes, a green school uniform, and a red tarboosh.
- The boy is nervous and tries to appeal to his mother for help as they walk to school.
- The father reassures the boy that school is not a punishment, but a place where he can learn and become a useful man like his father and brothers.
The School Environment
- The school is described as a huge, high-walled fortress with a vast courtyard filled with boys and girls.
- The boy feels like a stranger when he arrives, but is soon approached by another boy who asks who brought him to school.
The School's Welcome
- A lady, accompanied by a group of men, welcomes the students and begins to sort them into ranks.
- She reassures them that school is a place where they will find mothers and fathers, enjoy learning, and benefit from knowledge and religion.
The School's Activities
- The students engage in various activities, including playing games, learning music, and introducing themselves to language.
- They also learn about the world, including the continents and countries, and are introduced to the concept of numbers.
- The story of the Creator of the universe is read to them, and they hear about His present world and the Hereafter.
The Reality of School Life
- Despite the initial excitement and joy, the boy soon realizes that school life is not always easy and pleasant.
- He experiences dust-laden winds, unexpected accidents, and rivalries that can lead to pain and hatred.
- However, the lady's smile and guidance provide a sense of reassurance and comfort.
This quiz is based on the novel 'Half a Day' by renowned Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz. It explores the narrator's first day of school and the emotions that come with it. Test your understanding of the story and its themes.
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