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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 does Mrs. Tulsi purchase in Port of Spain?

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

3. Why do the problems associated with the house not bother the Biswas family for very long?

4. Why does Mr. Biswas feel like a Deserving Destitute?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the cycle of personal freedom and dependence on the Tulsi family that Mr. Biswas experiences throughout the novel. What factors motivate Mr. Biswas to move away from the influence of the Tulsi family? What factors motivate him to return to the security of the family? What does Mr. Biswas have to do in order to finally break free from the social and financial dependence he has on his in-laws? What are the implications of this cycle for his children's future?

Essay Topic 3

Mr. Biswas and Mrs. Tulsi are two of the most influential characters in the story. Compare and contrast their personalities. What is the life goal for each character, and how does each set about achieving their dreams? What influence do these two characters have on the rest of the family?

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