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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 is Savi's nickname when she is at the Hanuman House?

2. After recovering from his illness, how does Mr. Biswas view his future?

3. What disease afflicts Bipti's father?

4. What does Mr. Biswas recommend his wife do to earn money?

5. Which relative urges Mr. Biswas to find a job after several months spent recuperating at Hanuman House?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events leading up to the destruction of Savi's dollhouse.

2. Describe Mr. Biswas' room in Green Vale.

3. How does the Tulsi family care for Mr. Biswas during his illness?

4. What job does Mr. Biswas have as a child, and how does he lose that job?

5. Why does Pundit Jairam send Mr. Biswas home?

6. Describe the first house Mr. Biswas builds for his family.

7. What motivates Mr. Biswas to become self-employed?

8. How does Mr. Biswas' father die?

9. Describe young Mr. Biswas' second job.

10. Describe the circumstances surrounding the birth of Shama's first child.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,025 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample