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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Mr. Biswas accuse the Tulsis of being "orthodox Roman Catholic Hindus"?
(a) Because the family closes shop for the Christmas holiday.
(b) Because the family does business with a Catholic investor.
(c) Because two boys in the house attend mass at a Catholic school.
(d) Because Owad's best friend is Catholic.

2. What does Mr. Biswas read in bed while living at Green Vale?
(a) Hindi literature.
(b) Charles Dickens.
(c) Political magazines.
(d) The old newspapers that wallpaper his walls.

3. How is the beginning of the prologue unusual?
(a) All the dialogue is in Hindi.
(b) The prologue begins with Mr. Biswas' murder.
(c) The prologue begins with the end of Mr. Biswas' story.
(d) Mr. Biswas begins telling his own story.

4. What does Sharma use to treat bedbugs?
(a) Kerosene.
(b) Lysol.
(c) Alcohol.
(d) Gasoline.

5. What job is Mr. Biswas fired from in the prologue?
(a) Reporter for the Trinidad "Sentinel."
(b) Taxicab driver in Trinidad.
(c) Police officer in Trinidad.
(d) Overseer for a sugar plantation.

6. During his illness, what happens to the house that Mr. Biswas was constructing?
(a) His brothers finish building the house.
(b) It is burnt.
(c) Seth and his family move in.
(d) It is sold.

7. What does Sharma want to have done to the house being built in Book 1, Chapter 5?
(a) She wants the house blessed.
(b) She wants carpet on the bare floors.
(c) She wants electricity installed.
(d) She wants running water inside the house.

8. When Mr. Biswas and Sharma have an argument while they stay together for a few days at Green Vale, what happens?
(a) Sharma kicks Mr. Biswas.
(b) Mr. Biswas kicks Sharma.
(c) Sharma slaps Mr. Biswas.
(d) Mr. Biswas slaps Sharma.

9. How does Shama's family react to the purchase of the house?
(a) They beg Shama to stay with them.
(b) With snide, cutting remarks and insults.
(c) They worry and warn Shama of the evils of the city.
(d) With enthusiasm and encouragement.

10. In the prologue, what severance is Mr. Biswas given after he is fired?
(a) Three months' notice and a free newspaper delivered to his door each morning.
(b) A hundred rupees and a taxicab ride home.
(c) None.
(d) Fifteen rupees and a free police radio.

11. In Book 1, Chapter 5, what gift does Mr. Biswas give Savi?
(a) A beautiful dress.
(b) A porcelain doll.
(c) A chess set.
(d) An elaborate dollhouse.

12. Why does Shama destroy the gift Mr. Biswas gave Savi?
(a) She feels girls should not play a man's game.
(b) Because the dress was Western in style.
(c) To make her obedient.
(d) To keep peace in the family.

13. After recovering from his illness, how does Mr. Biswas view his past?
(a) As confirmation of the pundit's prophecy.
(b) As an unrealized blessing of family and providence.
(c) As the result of his marriage to Sharma.
(d) As counterfeit and a series of cheating accidents.

14. What job does Mr. Biswas have as a child?
(a) Washing the dishes for his aunt each day.
(b) Tending the goats in the field each day.
(c) Leading the calves to market each week.
(d) Taking water to the neighbor's calf each day.

15. What does Mungroo sue Mr. Biswas for?
(a) Assault.
(b) Theft.
(c) Defamation.
(d) Neglect.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the prologue, why is Mr. Biswas pleased with his wife Shama?

2. According to pundit, what must Mr. Biswas stay away from?

3. What solution does Seth recommend for Mr. Biswas' financial problems?

4. How does Mr. Biswas react when he sees his lodgings at Green Vale?

5. Who attacks Mr. Biswas in Book 2, Chapter 3?

(see the answer keys)

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