The Thief and the Dogs

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Introduction

Before Reading

During Reading

After Reading

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-4

Reading Check

1. What items does Said retrieve from Ilish’s house?

2. According to the Sheikh, what is he the master of?

3. As Said explains his frustrations, which three words does the Sheikh repeat to him?

4. What was Nabawiyya’s role in stealing with Said?

5. For what does Rauf ask Said the second time Said visits his house?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Who does Said prioritize meeting after leaving prison? Does this meeting go as he believed it would? Why or why not?

2. Describe Said’s conversation with the Sheikh. Does he find the answers that he is looking for? Why or why not?

3. What does Said reveal to the Sheikh about his marriage? How does this story affect Said?

4. Who is Rauf Ilwan? Describe how Said’s meeting with him reveals the change of Rauf’s character since Said first knew him.

5. How does Said process his profession after his release from prison? How does his opinion of his profession lead to his decision regarding Raul’s house?