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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. In Book 2, Chapter 4, what does Basdai constantly say to her children?

2. In the beginning of Book 2, Chapter 3, which family member refuses to relocate?

3. Where does Shekhar live once he is married?

4. How does Mr. Biswas earn the $1,200 needed for the down payment on the house?

5. What color does Mr. Biswas paint his typewriter?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mr. Biswas get his first job for the "Trinidad Sentinel?"

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

3. What does the Tulsi family plan to do in Shorthills?

4. Describe the house Mr. Biswas bought from the solicitor's clerk.

5. Why does Mr. Biswas buy a typewriter, and what happens to it later in the story?

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

7. Who is the "Scarlet Pimpernel", and why are the islanders looking for him?

8. Describe the estate at Shorthills.

9. How do the school examinations affect the children of the Tulsi household?

10. How does Mrs. Tulsi react to Owad's impending return from England?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the influences that traditional Eastern superstitions and prophecies have on the characters in the book. How does the pundit's prophecy affect Mr. Biswas as an infant and as a schoolboy? What reaction does he have to traditional blessings and prophecies later in life? How does his attitude towards the supernatural affect his relationships with other characters?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the power struggles evident in the book. Which characters are perpetually locked in a bid for power within the family? What factors assist characters in gaining or losing power? How do the power struggles evident among the adult characters affect the children? What cycle of power is evident in the book, and how does Mr. Biswas attempt to break that cycle?

Essay Topic 3

Irony is evident throughout the book. Cite three examples of irony and how it is used to give the reader insight into Mr. Biswas' struggle for freedom and independence. What is Mr. Biswas' attitude towards the ironic events that affect his life? How do they affect his attitude and actions?

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This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample