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

2. What does W.C. Tuttle purchase in Book 2, Chapter 5?

3. Why is Shekhar jealous of Owad?

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

5. What does Mr. Biswas offer to do for free for the editor of the newspaper?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the house Mr. Biswas bought from the solicitor's clerk.

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

3. What threatens Mr. Biswas' job at the "Trinidad Sentinel"?

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

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

8. How is Mr. Biswas' second house spared from burning?

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

10. How does Mr. Biswas earn his promotion as reporter for the "Trinidad Sentinel?"

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how the characters in the novel express their displeasure or anger. What differences exist between the manner in which the men and women vent their frustrations? What cultural influences affect the manner in which the characters express themselves? How does this cultural influence affect the relationships among family members?

(see the answer keys)

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