A House for Mr. Biswas

Mr. Biswas decides to leave Hanuman House, but he does not know where to go. He recalls the invitation from Ramchand to visit Port of Spain and, wondering whether it is “genuine" (197), decides to go to the capital city. On visiting his sister and her family, Mr. Biswas finds the speed and liveliness of life in the city to be very impressive. Ramchand insists that Mr. Biswas can "stay here and rest" (198) for as long as he needs. Ramchand now works in a mental health facility, and he talks glowingly about the pay. When he can, he takes Mr. Biswas on a tour of Port of Spain, playing the role of the "knowledgeable townsman" (199). Eventually, however, Mr. Biswas's money begins to run out and, even after leaving Hanuman House, Mr. Biswas cannot fully escape his depression and his "spasms of fear" (200). Worried about his mental health, he seeks out a doctor. A specialist is recommended to him but, while he waits for his appointment, he has a sudden urge to leave, assuring himself that he is "not a sick man at all" (202). He decides that he simply needs a job which makes him proud, so he leaves the doctor's waiting room to search for a job.