Listening: Caught Between Two Worlds: Identity Crisis in Asal Aswad (Bittersweet/ Molasses) #ibdp

⚠️ Please be advised that while some questions may resemble those found in the IBDP assessment, others may vary in format. Additionally, there may be differences in video duration or the quantity of questions. These variations are designed to enrich in-session practice by introducing diversity, all while aligning with the intended thematic focus.


In this deep dive into the Egyptian film Asal Aswad (Molasses عسل أسود) which, in Egyptian culture, implies the meaning of "Bittersweet" , we explore the emotional and psychological journey of a protagonist caught between two conflicting identities. Raised in the U.S. by Egyptian immigrant parents, he returns to Egypt to reconnect with his roots, only to face an identity crisis as he discovers that the Egypt he remembers no longer exists. This film presents a poignant reflection on the complexities of cultural identity, the pressure to conform, and the ongoing evolution of self. Join us as we discuss the tension between tradition and modernity, and the universal struggle of finding one's place in a rapidly changing world.

Section A: Comprehension (Multiple Choice Questions)

1. What is the main theme explored in the film Molasses?
A. The conflict between modernity and tradition
B. The reconciliation of multiple cultural identities
C. The impact of globalization on Egypt
D. The struggles of immigrants in the United States
2. Why does the protagonist return to Egypt?
A. To find a job in Egypt
B. To reconnect with his roots
C. To explore new opportunities in Egypt
D. To visit his relatives
3. How does the protagonist feel about his Egyptian heritage before returning to Egypt?
A. Disconnected
B. Fully integrated
C. Proud of his culture
D. Unaware of it
4. How does the protagonist’s return to Egypt affect him emotionally?
A. It brings him joy and peace
B. It triggers an identity crisis
C. It makes him more connected to his roots
D. It causes him to abandon his past
5. What cultural aspect of Egypt does the protagonist find most difficult to adjust to?
A. Language and accent
B. Social and cultural changes
C. The political system
D. The food and lifestyle
6. What does the protagonist realize about identity by the end of the film?
A. Identity is fixed and unchanging
B. Identity is fluid and constantly evolving
C. Identity can be easily defined by society
D. Identity is irrelevant in today’s world
7. What is the protagonist’s struggle in relation to his American identity?
A. He feels completely accepted as American
B. He is torn between two identities—American and Egyptian
C. He no longer identifies with his American upbringing
D. He has no conflict with his American identity
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Section B: True/False and Fill-in-the-Blanks
True or False:
8. The protagonist’s return to Egypt is a smooth and uneventful experience, with no significant cultural conflict.
9. The protagonist is accepted by Egyptians because he understands their cultural practices well.
10. The protagonist finally reaches a clear and fixed definition of his identity by the end of the film.
Fill in the Blank:
11. The protagonist’s parents emigrated to the United States ___________ ago.
12. The protagonist’s had much pressure to _______________ to societal expectations..
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Section C: Matching
Match the description on the left with the correct answer on the right.
Column A Column B
13. The protagonist’s feelings before returning to Egypt A. A place that has changed over time, no longer the same as remembered
14. The protagonist’s relationship with his American identity B. Identity is always in flux.
15. The protagonist’s realization by the end of the film C. He has never fully assimilated into it due to his family’s habits.
16. Egypt for the protagonist upon his return D. A sense of nostalgia
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Section D: Open-ended Questions
Answer the following questions in no more than three words.
17. What is the protagonist’s primary conflict in Molasses?
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18. What cultural aspect does the protagonist struggle with most in Egypt?
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19. What does the protagonist learn about identity?
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20. How does the protagonist view his return to Egypt by the end of the film?
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