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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. While traveling around the island as part of his new government job, where does Mr. Biswas establish an office?

2. Which character receives a scholarship to the university?

3. What is the price of the house for sale in Book 2, Chapter 6?

4. What presents do the children receive the Christmas after Owad goes to England?

5. In Book 2, Chapter 1, which relative invites Mr. Biswas for a visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the "Scarlet Pimpernel", and why are the islanders looking for him?

2. Describe the estate at Shorthills.

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

4. Why does the Biswas family leave Mrs. Tulsi's house in Port of Spain after Owad's return?

5. How does the Deserving Destitutes Fund cause hardship for Mr. Biswas?

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

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

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

9. How does Mr. Biswas find and purchase his dream house?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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?

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