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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 does Mr. Biswas recommend his wife do to earn money?

2. In the prologue, how much of the mortgage is left on Mr. Biswas' house?

3. When Mr. Biswas and Sharma have an argument while they stay together for a few days at Green Vale, what happens?

4. What book is Mr. Biswas keep for the rest of his life after being unable to return it to school?

5. What unlucky trait does the pundit claim Mr. Biswas will have?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mr. Biswas attempt to improve the store's financial situation?

2. Describe Mr. Biswas' early education.

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

4. Describe Mr. Biswas' room in Green Vale.

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

6. What job does Mr. Biswas have as a child, and how does he lose that job?

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

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

9. What must Mr. Biswas and Shama do to reopen their shop and house in The Chase?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Symbolism is used throughout the book. Discuss at least three examples of symbolism seen in the novel. What does each symbol represent, and which character(s) does it influence? How are the symbols you chose meant to inspire the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Mr. Biswas and Mrs. Tulsi are two of the most influential characters in the story. Compare and contrast their personalities. What is the life goal for each character, and how does each set about achieving their dreams? What influence do these two characters have on the rest of the family?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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