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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 5, after Mr. Biswas runs out of money for construction, what does he use for building material?

2. What job is Mr. Biswas fired from in the prologue?

3. Who remains with Mr. Biswas at Green Vale when Sharma leaves?

4. What is eventually discovered on Bipti's property after it is sold?

5. What disease afflicts Bipti's father?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mr. Biswas.

2. Why does Pundit Jairam send Mr. Biswas home?

3. Describe the first house Mr. Biswas builds for his family.

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

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

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

7. When Shama is pregnant with her fourth child, she and Mr. Biswas have a severe argument. What happens during that argument, and how does it affect their family?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Collectivism and individualism are two opposing philosophies in the book. Compare and contrast each philosophy and how it affects the characters in the book? Which philosophy is prevalent in the beginning of the book? By the end? What opinion might the author be trying to express about collectivism versus individualism?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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