Practice Essay Topics
Essay topics: In the Country of Men
‘I am recalling now that last summer before I was sent away’. The novel In the Country of Men shows that it is impossible for a child to make sense of an adult’s world. To what extent do you agree?
The significance of the title of the novel In the Country of Men is important to understanding the struggles of the characters. Discuss
‘Although the novel describes a ‘country of men’, women exert a powerful influence in both the family and the wider society.’ Discuss.
“You betrayed him.”
‘In the world depicted in this novel, it is enough to survive – regardless of the cost to others.’ Discuss.
‘In the Country of Men demonstrates that political resistance is naïve and futile.’ Discuss
‘In the Country of Men argues that political resistance is a vital part of a healthy community and is to be celebrated.’ Discuss.
‘Sharief and Rashid are two very different people.’ Discuss.
Is In the Country of Men a domestic or political story?
‘Although the narrator is only a nine-year-old boy, his voice is that of a much older person.’ How does Matar achieve this, and to what purpose?
‘Suleiman is a boy poised to enter “the country of men”.’ Discuss.
When Rashid is taken, Suleiman says the Revolutionary Committee car is “like a giant dead moth in the sun”. How does Matar employ symbolism in the novel?
‘Najwa is the central character in In the Country of Men.’ Discuss.
When Rashid lies during his interrogation in order to protect Faraj, Suleiman calls this “the opposite of betrayal.” What does the novel argue about the importance of loyalty?
Hisham Matar has said that “Children live with an intensity most adults take for granted.” How does In the Country of Men illustrate this idea?
‘Libya is merely an incidental backdrop for Suleiman’s story.’ Discuss.
“Egypt has not replaced Libya.” How does the summer of 1979 shape Suleiman’s feelings about his homeland?
‘In the world of Suleiman’s childhood, there is no place for
‘I am recalling now that last summer before I was sent away’. The novel In the Country of Men shows that it is impossible for a child to make sense of an adult’s world. To what extent do you agree?
The significance of the title of the novel In the Country of Men is important to understanding the struggles of the characters. Discuss
‘Although the novel describes a ‘country of men’, women exert a powerful influence in both the family and the wider society.’ Discuss.
“You betrayed him.”
‘In the world depicted in this novel, it is enough to survive – regardless of the cost to others.’ Discuss.
‘In the Country of Men demonstrates that political resistance is naïve and futile.’ Discuss
‘In the Country of Men argues that political resistance is a vital part of a healthy community and is to be celebrated.’ Discuss.
‘Sharief and Rashid are two very different people.’ Discuss.
Is In the Country of Men a domestic or political story?
‘Although the narrator is only a nine-year-old boy, his voice is that of a much older person.’ How does Matar achieve this, and to what purpose?
‘Suleiman is a boy poised to enter “the country of men”.’ Discuss.
When Rashid is taken, Suleiman says the Revolutionary Committee car is “like a giant dead moth in the sun”. How does Matar employ symbolism in the novel?
‘Najwa is the central character in In the Country of Men.’ Discuss.
When Rashid lies during his interrogation in order to protect Faraj, Suleiman calls this “the opposite of betrayal.” What does the novel argue about the importance of loyalty?
Hisham Matar has said that “Children live with an intensity most adults take for granted.” How does In the Country of Men illustrate this idea?
‘Libya is merely an incidental backdrop for Suleiman’s story.’ Discuss.
“Egypt has not replaced Libya.” How does the summer of 1979 shape Suleiman’s feelings about his homeland?
‘In the world of Suleiman’s childhood, there is no place for