View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Why does Mrs. Tulsi evict everyone from the house in Port of Spain?

4. Where are the examination scores posted?

5. Where does Dorothy work?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the estate at Shorthills.

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

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

6. What does the Tulsi family plan to do in Shorthills?

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

8. How does the Biswas family feel about the purchase of their new home?

9. How does Mr. Biswas get his first job for the "Trinidad Sentinel?"

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mr. Biswas suffered from a short period of depression. Describe potential causes for his depression and the effects it has on his character. What factors lead to his depression? How does the depression affect his character? What is the pivotal factor that helps him overcome his depression? What other factors assist him in overcoming his depression?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the manner in which the Tulsi family supported Mr. Biswas. Was their support based on moral obligation, cultural standard or other factors? How does the Tulsi family's support assist Mr. Biswas' success? How does their support contribute to his failings? Cite specific examples of financial, physical, social and emotional support within your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,020 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample