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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. What claim does Prakash make that offends Mr. Biswas?

2. What does Mrs. Tulsi purchase in Port of Spain?

3. Who institutes the Deserving Destitutes Fund?

4. In Book 2, Chapter 5, which items does Mrs. Tulsi insist on showing everyone?

5. When Mr. Burnett leaves the "Sentinel," where does he go?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Why does Mr. Biswas buy a typewriter, and what happens to it later in the story?

7. Describe the circumstances and events surrounding the destruction of Mr. Biswas' rose garden.

8. What factors contribute to the failure of the farm?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the influences that traditional Eastern superstitions and prophecies have on the characters in the book. How does the pundit's prophecy affect Mr. Biswas as an infant and as a schoolboy? What reaction does he have to traditional blessings and prophecies later in life? How does his attitude towards the supernatural affect his relationships with other characters?

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

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?

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