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

2. During his illness, what happens to the house that Mr. Biswas was constructing?

3. What happens to the furniture in Mr. Biswas' house while he is ill?

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

5. What does Bipti do the day before Mr. Biswas is born?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the Tulsis consider Mr. Biswas a rebel?

2. Why does Mr. Biswas consider himself a successful man?

3. What happens to Mr. Biswas' house in Green Vale during his illness?

4. How does Mr. Biswas' father die?

5. What prophecy does the pundit give at Mr. Biswas' birth?

6. Describe the events leading to Mr. Biswas and Shama's courtship and marriage.

7. How does Mr. Biswas express his displeasure with his in-laws and his communal living situation?

8. Describe the events leading up to the destruction of Savi's dollhouse.

9. How does Shama react when Mr. Biswas loses his job?

10. Describe Mr. Biswas' early education.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Mr. Biswas suffered from a short period of depression. Describe potential causes for his depression and the effects it has on his character. What factors lead to his depression? How does the depression affect his character? What is the pivotal factor that helps him overcome his depression? What other factors assist him in overcoming his depression?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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