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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. How does Mr. Biswas' father die?

2. What does Sharma use to treat bedbugs?

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

4. Which room in Hanuman House does Mr. Biswas occupy while he is ill?

5. Why does Pundit Jairam send Mr. Biswas back home?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Describe Mr. Biswas.

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

7. What role does Seth play in assisting Mr. Biswas to recover from his illness?

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

9. How does Mr. Biswas' father die?

10. How does the Tulsi family care for Mr. Biswas during his illness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the effect the division of Mr. Biswas' brothers and sisters had on each character's life. Why might Bipti have made the decision to divide them, and how might it have affected her character throughout the book? How might the death of his father have motivated Mr. Biswas to pursue a better life? What might have happened to Mr. Biswas and his family if his father had been alive to raise the family?

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This section contains 1,037 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample