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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. In the beginning of Book 2, Chapter 3, where does the family plan to relocate?

2. Whom does Mr. Biswas meet in the café?

3. In Book 2, Chapter 4, what happens to Chinta?

4. What does Mr. Biswas purchase through a government sponsored loan?

5. What type of club does Owad join after he returns home?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Describe Mr. Biswas' new job with the Community Welfare Department.

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

10. Why does Mr. Biswas buy a typewriter, and what happens to it later in the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the influence that English literature and education has on the characters in the book. Choose three characters and describe how an English-based curriculum influences their attitudes early in life. How does Mr. Biswas' love of English literature affect his personal philosophy throughout his life? What difficulties do he and other characters experience that can be attributed to the influence of English literature and education?

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

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?

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