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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the job of the certificate searcher?

2. What does Mrs. Tulsi purchase in Port of Spain?

3. Whom does Mr. Biswas meet in the café?

4. Why is Shekhar jealous of Owad?

5. What about the house surprises Mr. Biswas?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mr. Biswas earn his promotion as reporter for the "Trinidad Sentinel?"

2. Describe the conflict that arises between Owad and Anand.

3. How does the Deserving Destitutes Fund cause hardship for Mr. Biswas?

4. How does Mrs. Tulsi's return to Arwacas affect the family left in Port of Spain?

5. Describe the final details of the sale of the clerk's house.

6. Describe Shekhar's life as an adult.

7. How do Owad's communist views affect the Tulsi family?

8. Describe the Biswas family's trip to the seaside.

9. How does Shama assist with the repairs to the new house?

10. How does Mr. Biswas use Hanuman House after it has been abandoned by the Tulsi family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is used throughout the book. Discuss at least three examples of symbolism seen in the novel. What does each symbol represent, and which character(s) does it influence? How are the symbols you chose meant to inspire the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the differences between Eastern and Western standards of success. Which standard does the Tulsi family follow? Which standard does Mr. Biswas follow? How does the conflict with the Tulsi family affect Mr. Biswas' attitude towards success? How might his attitude affect the future of his children and grandchildren?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the influence the farming venture at Shorthills had on the characters in the novel. What influenced the Tulsi family to try farming? What factors lead to the farm's demise? How does the failure of the farm affect the characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 961 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample