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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 1, Chapter 2, who runs away with Dehuti?

2. What does Mr. Biswas do when he is bored at the shop?

3. Which relative urges Mr. Biswas to find a job after several months spent recuperating at Hanuman House?

4. After his father's death, where does Mr. Biswas live?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What motivates Mr. Biswas to become self-employed?

2. Describe young Mr. Biswas' second job.

3. Describe the circumstances surrounding the birth of Shama's first child.

4. What explanation does Shama give for the store's financial problems?

5. What happens to the Biswas children after their father dies?

6. Describe Mr. Biswas' emotional state during his illness.

7. What motivates Mr. Biswas to choose the house for his family?

8. Describe the Tulsi family.

9. Describe Mr. Biswas.

10. Describe Mr. Biswas' early education.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The entire world changed after World War II. Discuss the influence World War II had on the lives of the characters in the novel. What were the financial and social repercussions for Trinidad? What difficulties does the war impose on the characters? What advantages did the characters gain due to the war?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the influence the rise of colonialism and had on the characters after World War II. How do the characters feel about their society before the war? What effect does colonialism have on the characters' attitudes towards their own society? How do the characters use colonialism to their advantage?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 923 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample