Essay Questions

What makes the opening scene of this text so powerful?

The opening scene of this text provides an incredibly moving account of a terrorist attack from the perspective of a victim. The narrator describes the explosion in sensory detail and then describes the aftermath and the chaos that ensues. After, the narrator describes other victims around him who have been injured, including several men and a child who is trying to find his mother.

The narrator then discovers that he has been fatally injured himself, and he descends into a dream sequence that involves the arrival of his mother. Overall, the scene is incredibly moving and emotive, giving the reader a real insight into what it might be like to experience a terror attack. The description focuses on the victims, showing the human repercussions of a terror attack.

Why might we be surprised that the protagonist's wife was the suicide bomber?

The reader shares Jaafari’s shock when he discovers that his wife was responsible for the terror attack. At first, he refuses to believe it as his wife has previously shown no signs of political extremism.

From the reader’s perspective, it is shocking that Sihem is responsible as she does not conform to stereotypes surrounding suicide bombers. Typically, we think of terrorists as being male, but in this text, the terrorist is a female and the wife of a successful surgeon. This is a significant aspect of the text, as the author is suggesting that anybody can be turned towards extremism. It is damaging to believe that only people who fit the stereotypes are vulnerable to this kind of conversion.

Discuss the theme of identity and belonging in "The Attack." How does Dr. Amin Jaafari's struggle with his identity drive the narrative? Provide examples from the novel to support your analysis.

In "The Attack," the theme of identity and belonging is central. Dr. Amin Jaafari, the protagonist, grapples with the complexities of his identity as an Arab-Israeli. He is a successful surgeon in Tel Aviv, but his Arab heritage remains significant. His inner conflict intensifies when he discovers his wife's involvement in a suicide bombing. Amin's struggle with identity drives the narrative, as he questions where he truly belongs and how his loyalty to multiple cultures can coexist. For instance, his deep love for Sihem, his wife, and his commitment to his profession as a surgeon underscore the tensions and complexities of his identity.

Examine the theme of extremism and its consequences in "The Attack." How do characters in the novel grapple with radicalization, and what impact does extremism have on their lives? Provide specific examples from the story.

"The Attack" explores the theme of extremism and its consequences. Characters in the novel, such as Sihem, become entangled in radicalization. Sihem's involvement in a suicide bombing reflects the destructive power of extremist ideologies. This extremism shatters lives, as seen through Amin's emotional turmoil upon discovering her actions. Moreover, the novel underscores how extremism disrupts communities, as ordinary people become victims and perpetrators. It emphasizes that extremism not only inflicts physical harm but also leaves deep emotional and psychological scars.

Discuss the role of truth and moral dilemmas in "The Attack." How does Dr. Amin Jaafari's pursuit of truth affect his personal and professional life? Provide examples from the novel to illustrate the moral dilemmas he faces.

Truth and moral dilemmas play a significant role in "The Attack." Dr. Amin Jaafari's relentless pursuit of the truth, despite the emotional turmoil it brings, drives the narrative. He is torn between his loyalty to his wife and his duty as a surgeon to save lives, even when treating patients involved in acts of violence. For example, his decision to operate on a wounded suspect illustrates the moral complexity of his choices. Amin's quest for truth reflects the broader theme of seeking answers and understanding in the face of personal and societal turmoil.

Analyze the symbol of Sihem's diary in "The Attack." How does the diary represent hidden thoughts and motivations, and how does it contribute to the central theme of seeking truth in the novel? Provide specific examples from the story.