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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. Why is Mr. Biswas asked to join the new government agency after the war?

2. What opposition does Mr. Biswas have to the family's plan to raise sheep?

3. Whom does Mr. Biswas borrow money from in order to purchase the house in Book 2, Chapter 6?

4. In Book 2, Chapter 3, what does Chinta accuse Anand of doing?

5. What sign does Mr. Biswas post on his house in Shorthills?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Biswas family's trip to the seaside.

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

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

4. How do the school examinations affect the children of the Tulsi household?

5. How do Mr. Biswas and other members of the Tulsi family end up living in the Port of Spain house for a second time?

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

7. Describe the estate at Shorthills.

8. How is Mr. Biswas' second house spared from burning?

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

10. What threatens Mr. Biswas' job at the "Trinidad Sentinel"?

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 differences between Eastern and Western standards of success. Which standard does the Tulsi family follow? Which standard does Mr. Biswas follow? How does the conflict with the Tulsi family affect Mr. Biswas' attitude towards success? How might his attitude affect the future of his children and grandchildren?

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 1,028 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample