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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. Why does Sharma call her daughter Savi?

2. What treatment does Ramchand recommend for Mr. Biswas?

3. Why does Pundit Jairam send Mr. Biswas back home?

4. How does Mr. Biswas lose his childhood job?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to the Biswas children after their father dies?

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

3. Describe the events leading to Mr. Biswas and Shama's courtship and marriage.

4. Describe young Mr. Biswas' second job.

5. What role does Seth play in assisting Mr. Biswas to recover from his illness?

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

7. Why does Mr. Biswas consider himself a successful man?

8. How does Shama react when Mr. Biswas loses his job?

9. What prophecy does the pundit give at Mr. Biswas' birth?

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

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

Describe the influence the farming venture at Shorthills had on the characters in the novel. What influenced the Tulsi family to try farming? What factors lead to the farm's demise? How does the failure of the farm affect the characters?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 992 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample