Summary

Upon his return from England, Owad has changed physically, but also philosophically and politically. He embraces children and sisters and brother, shakes hands with brothers-in-law, makes a show of rejecting Seth, and assumes his new role as head of family. He has stories to tell of heroic deeds, helping important people, and the wonders of Communism. There is a festival atmosphere at the house for seven days, and it seems as if the old days at Hanuman House have returned. Anand idolizes Owad and adopts his views, but Owad is impatient and insulting with Anand, belittling him when they lose a card game, and slapping him twice when he reacts by yelling.

There are many witnesses to Anand’s humiliation, including his mother and sisters, and he tells his father he wants to move, but Mr. Biswas doesn’t listen. Shama wants Anand to apologize, and...