After reading the short story “Zaabalawi” by Naguib Mahfouz (p.513), and analyzing the overall meaning, what do you think the protagonist was really searching for? Do you think he was in search of a “medicine man” or was it something deeper that he needed? Do you think he ever found it? Why or why not?

Submit your responses to these questions in a short essay format (250 words at least) and then begin sharing your thoughts with your classmates. Everyone may have completely different interpretations and that is okay – in fact, it is great! Everyone interprets literature differently based on his/her own experiences, so do not be shy, share your thoughts and be honest!