Topic 1

Even as a baby, the narrator refers to the main character as Mr. Biswas rather than Mohun. What effect does this have on the reader’s perception of the character? What might the author’s intention have been in choosing this approach?

Topic 2

When Mr. Biswas is born, a pundit interprets certain signs to foretell that he will be a person of questionable character, and he will bring bad luck to his family. How much of this prophecy, if any, turns out to be accurate? What do these rituals tell us about the family?

Topic 3

How do the Tulsis react to Mr. Biswas’s outrageous behavior? What incidents produce the most serious consequences for Mr. Biswas?

Topic 4

There are many incidents of wife beating and flogging of children in the novel. How do these incidents affect the reader’s view of characters and events? In such...