Final answer:
Mahmoud marvels at the minutely observed practical details and symbolic details in the scenes he witnesses. Examples include soot on walls, precise hand positions, the appearance of a stone door, and the movement of a horse, cable car, and truck.
Step-by-step explanation:
The details that cause Mahmoud to marvel at what he sees include minutely observed practical details and symbolic details. In the given references, the hammam depiction portrays soot deposited on the walls by lamps, the precise position of hands wringing a wet towel, and the caliph's robes and crown. Similarly, the description of a stone door in the wilderness includes the surprise of finding an open plain with houses and men, highlighting the astonishment and curiosity felt by Mahmoud. Lastly, the passage describing McTeague's reaction to a bustling street scene showcases his awe as he is amazed by the movement of a horse, a cable car, and a truck.