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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 the beginning of Book 2, Chapter 3, where does the family plan to relocate?

2. How does the editor react to Mr. Biswas' free work?

3. Whom does Mr. Biswas meet in the café?

4. Which high-paying government agency is Mr. Biswas invited to join?

5. What odorous problem arises soon after Mr. Biswas and his family move into the new house?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mr. Biswas earn his promotion as reporter for the "Trinidad Sentinel?"

2. How does Mrs. Tulsi's return to Arwacas affect the family left in Port of Spain?

3. How do Owad's communist views affect the Tulsi family?

4. Describe Mr. Biswas' new job with the Community Welfare Department.

5. Describe the final details of the sale of the clerk's house.

6. How does Mrs. Tulsi react to Owad's impending return from England?

7. Describe the conflict that arises between Owad and Anand.

8. Describe the house Mr. Biswas bought from the solicitor's clerk.

9. What is the Deserving Destitutes Fund, and how did Mr. Biswas become involved in it?

10. How does Mr. Biswas use Hanuman House after it has been abandoned by the Tulsi 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

Discuss the meaning of the houses that Mr. Biswas purchases and/or builds throughout the story. What might each house's purchase or construction represent? What might the sale or destruction of the first several houses represent?

Essay Topic 3

Writing, as well as literature, played an important role in Mr. Biswas' life. How does writing allow Mr. Biswas to express himself safely? How does his career as a newspaper reporter assist him in his quest for freedom and independence? What conflicts arise from his writing at the paper? What effect does his venture as a fiction writer have on his character?

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