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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. Where does Shekhar live once he is married?

2. While Anand is preparing for examinations, what does he do every morning and evening?

3. Why does Owad go to England?

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

5. What structure does Seth plan to build on the garden site?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Shama assist with the repairs to the new house?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 902 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample